Knit & natter
Great club stories and prizes.
When Natalie McCulloch approached her local library as a venue for a knitting group, they couldn’t have anticipated what a noisy bunch they’d be! With all the laughter, banter, clinking of tea cups and clicking of needles, it’s not easy for anyone nearby to read quietly.
The Barry Knitters started off with about half a dozen members but now 20-30 attend most weeks. All agree that the friendships they’ve made is an important reason for being part of the group. Of course everyone is united by their love of knitting and all things yarny, but for many people in the group the meetings are often the highlight of their week.
Knitting for charity quickly became the main focus of the knitters’ attention, although some members enjoy a spot of crochet and other crafts, too. Getting together to make things for people in need is what it’s all about for this group.
“Members have commented on how helpful it is to feel that their knitting is of use to others,” Natalie told us.
Much of their charity knitting is done for Volunteering Matters, the UK’s largest volunteering charity. Natalie has been the charity’s Knitting Organiser for six years “and counting!” she adds.
“The charity has hundreds of volunteer knitters, mainly working from their own homes to create wonders of all varieties,” Natalie said. “I felt a group would add an iÝÌÀ>"Li#iwÌ"Ì$"Li%#}">"Û$&Õ#ÌiiÀ"'#%ÌÌiÀ" and help to meet Volunteering Matters’ vision of a society where everyone can participate in their local community through volunteering and social action.”
Natalie is also passionate about how volunteering in the community “reduces some of the issues commonly associated with ageing such as social isolation, loss of sense of purpose/productivity and reduced community participation.”
The group knits all sorts of items for numerous charities – Velindre Cancer Care, which is based in Wales, Sailors’ Society, British Legion, African families, homeless charities – just to name a few. They regularly knit twiddlemuffs, blanket squares, hats, vests, toys and much more (including knickers!). “The charities we support are often thanking us for the donations our knitters produce, so it feels really worthwhile,” said Natalie.
Though many of the members are retired or senior, the group is open to all ages and younger people often join in with the fun. And in Natalie’s own words, “our knitters are superb to say the least!” The Barry Knitters meet every Tuesday, 9.30am-noon, at Barry Library, Kings Square, Barry CF63 4RW. Get in touch with Natalie McCulloch at RSVPknitting @volunteeringmatters.org.uk. THIS ISSUE, OUR CLUB OF THE MONTH WINS A FAB SELECTION OF GOODIES TO HELP THEIR CHARITY KNITTING!