Close knit circle share ‘purls’ of wisdom
Older residents at a care home in Atherstone have taken up knitting to help children in Africa and Romania.
The county council-run Bracebridge Court care home has set up a knitting circle to help provide orphaned children with blankets and clothes.
The circle was formed after the care home received a donation of wool and residents decided to put it to good use. The circle now meets a couple of times a week and gives people the opportunity to get together to chat and knit.
Christine Jenking, Activities Co-ordinator for Warwickshire County Council, said: “It started as a bit of fun but the residents are very keen to get involved. Even those who don’t want to do the knitting join in the chat and reminisce about things their mothers used to make.”
She added: “We are currently trying to link with a knitting charity that run a project called ‘Knit a Square’. People can knit squares that are sewn together to make blankets for orphans in Africa.”
Resident Elsie Swan said: “I’ve always enjoyed knitting, the clicking of the needles used to drive my husband mad when he was trying to watch TV!”
Resident May Bricknell added: “There was a time when I was always knitting but I haven’t done any for a few years, so it’s been lovely to get going again.”