Knitting group sends hearts to Manchester
Knit2Gether members show support after atrocity
A group of keen Paisley knitters are sending their hearts to Manchester.
Knit2Gether, which meets every week at the YMCA, in the High Street, has been busy knitting woollen hearts that will be distributed as a sign of support amongst the people of the city, which was struck almost two weeks ago by a terrorist bombing that killed 22 people and injured many at Manchester Arena.
The group has responded to ‘A Heart for Manchester’ campain, which is the brainchild of Stockport woman Beth Clarke.
Sandra Blane, a member of the 18-strong group, said she heard about it from a family member.
“My daughter saw it on Facebook and got in touch with me because she knows I’m always doing knitting,” she said. “And I decided, yes, I was doing it. “So I’ve come to the group and they have said yes.”
And ever since, Knit2Together has been knitting away furiously in a bid to get the hearts made in time for posting off to Manchester.
“We can do them in any form we like – knitting, crochet, whatever,” Mrs Blane said.
“To my knowledge the hearts are being given out at the weekend to the big concert that’s on at Old Trafford for the 22 who have lost their lives.
“And then they are being given out on the four-week anniversary to people round about the arena.”
And it is for this four-week event that the members of Knit2Gether are sending their hearts – with more than 100 expected to be made.
“The campaign has got over 2,000 so far, sent from all over the world,” said Mrs Blane.
“They’ve had glass ones, they’ve had If you think your community could do with a helping hand, make a claim for a £5,000 cashpot.
The Helping Hand campaign, launched by food giants Wall’s Pastry, will see an area transformed as part of beaded ones, they’ve had all sorts.
“And we are going to attach a wee metal heart to ours,” Mrs Blane added. “It says ‘Made with Love’.” Mrs Blane said he believed it was vitally inportant to respond in a positive way to the Manchester atrocity. “I cared,” she said. “And I felt so sorry, not just because it was children. “It was just senseless. “Out for a night to enjoy yourself – and then that.
“And it didn’t touch just the people who were there, it touched people throughout the world.” a £5,000 regeneration project.
Nominations can be uploaded online and are to be accompanied by images of the area that is being put forward.
The winning nominee will also be rewarded £500.
Entries close on Monday, July 17, and will be decided by a panel of judges.
To submit your nomination, visit www.wallshelpinghand.co.uk Get back to nature at the RSPB centre at Lochwinnoch on Sunday, June 11, from 10am to 4pm.
This is a chance to see for yourself what the reserve has to offer.
Staff will also be on hand to answer questions.
Call 01505 842663 or email lochwinnoch@ rspb.org.uk to find out more.