Llandudno church hopes to make history with a sea of knotted handkerchiefs
By Charities Correspondent
There could be a very unusual sight on the streets of Llandudno this month – hundreds of people wearing knotted handkerchiefs on their heads.
Holy Trinity Church is hoping to turn one of Britain's most nostalgic seaside traditions into a world record when it launches a bid to gather the largest-ever crowd wearing knotted handkerchiefs.
The record attempt will take place at 3pm on Saturday 22 August, as part of the Bro Tudno Ministry Area Family Fun Day.
The humble knotted handkerchief was once a familiar sight at British seaside resorts, worn as a makeshift sun hat on sunny days.
Now, the church wants to give the old-fashioned look a spectacular Llandudno revival.
And there is a serious reason behind the fun.
The event will raise money towards a new stained-glass window at Holy Trinity Church commemorating those who lost their lives in the Wormhout Massacre of 1940.
Around 80 British and French prisoners of war were killed by SS troops near Wormhout in northern France on 28 May 1940, after surrendering during the retreat to Dunkirk.
Eight servicemen from Llandudno were among the local men caught up in the fighting, having served with a Royal Artillery unit that trained in the town.
Revd Vince Morris said the record attempt was a fun way to bring the community together while supporting a lasting memorial.
“There’s something wonderfully Llandudno about hundreds of people standing around in knotted handkerchiefs, so we thought, why not try for a world record?
“It should be a lot of fun, but it is also helping us raise money for a memorial that means a great deal to the town.”
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Anyone wanting to take part needs to register by 2.30pm on the day to receive a handkerchief and be counted in the official attempt.
A minimum donation of £5 includes the handkerchief.
The world record attempt will be the quirky highlight of the Bro Tudno Ministry Area Family Fun Day, which runs from 11am to 4pm at Holy Trinity Church in Llandudno.
Families can enjoy games, food and a range of activities throughout the day – before gathering at 3pm to see if Llandudno can make history.
It promises to be a wonderfully Welsh seaside spectacle: a crowd of people, a few hundred handkerchiefs and a chance to remember those from the town who never came home.
