Top tree will help others in new year
A FESTIVAL-winning Christmas tree will continue to spread the love long after Twelfth Night.
Cosy Yarns knitting club’s tree was voted visitors’ favourite at St Mary’s Church Christmas Tree festival 2017.
Now, its knitted decorations are to be donated to good causes at home and abroad.
Cosy Yarns, which meets at The New Plough on Leicester Road, decorated its festive fir entirely with pieces made from wool.
Rather than consigning them to a box for another 12 months members are to donate the hand-crafted creations to a range of charities and causes supporting people in need across the county and globally.
The comforting pieces included more than 100 tiny teddies to be sent to Knit For Peace, 20 slippers and socks for Samara’s Aid Appeal for refugees in Syria and the middle east, nearly 80 infantsized cardigans and more than 60 hats for premature babies in Leicester hospitals, plus two dozen smaller indiviual decorations which will be sold by Redwings Horse Sanctuary to raise money for its work in Norfolk.
Group member Margaret Parker said: “The tree was certainly full to overflowing!”
Cosy Yarns meets on Tuesdays from 6pm and is open to anyone interested in knitting, of all abilities.
Mrs Parker said: “We’re laid back, friendly, lively and we love ability and experience.
“Everyone is welcome, for informal gossip, swap tips and drink tea, coffee and wine.
“Bring your own project or knit something for someone else.”
Members were presented with a cup for winning the festival at a church service in December.
Runner-up in the adult section was Hinckley and District Past and Present with My s2dio third.
The 1st Hinckley St Mary’s Brownies won the children’s section, with Hinckley Academy and John Cleveland Sixth Form Centre voted runner-up and St Mary’s Kindergarten third.
A record 950 votes were cast at the event, sponsored by DPD Logistics.