For over a decade, a dedicated group of knitters in Melksham has been using their skills to make a difference, crafting handmade items for hospitals, charities and those in need.
Founded in March 2014 by local women Bev Viveash and Hilary McFall, the Crazy About Knitting Club has grown to around 60 members. They meet twice a month at Melksham Baptist Church to knit a variety of items, from blankets and baby clothes to poppies and teddies.
Next month, the group will mark its 11th year. “We will try and knit anything that a charity or hospital would like,” explained Bev. “At the moment, we are knitting poppies for Melksham Town Council, lap blankets, bed jackets and teddies for both the Royal United Hospital in Bath and Southmead Hospital in Bristol.
“We are also knitting large blankets for the charity Operation Orphan, adult hats and gloves for The Mission to Seafarers and adult hats for homeless charities. Our requests often change and the knitters love something new to be knitting.”
Over the years, the club’s handmade creations have supported The Dyson Cancer Centre at the Royal United Hospital, AgeUK Wiltshire, and Spurgeons, while warm hats and gloves have been donated to the Community Larder.
“Often as knitters’ families grow, they no longer want the hand-knitted things, so this is a great way for knitters to keep busy and feel they are helping people,” says Bev.
Beyond knitting, the group also fundraises and runs an annual Christmas appeal, collecting items such as socks, chocolates, and toiletries for homeless charities. “Last Christmas, we even collected tennis balls for Operation Orphan,” said Bev. “They use them as ice-breakers when working with children abroad.”
The Crazy About Knitting Club meets on the first Wednesday of the month from 10am to 12pm and the first Thursday of the month from 6.45pm to 8.45pm. Alongside their knitting, members enjoy coffee, biscuits, and cake on special occasions.
“It’s a lovely, friendly group where friends meet up and new friendships are made,” Bev added. “They enjoy looking at what the others have made or are in the middle of making. It’s a great place to share tips and their knowledge.”
For more information, search Crazy About Knitting on Facebook.
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