Knitting ninjas strike again at ‘scruffy shelter’

YARNBOMBERS have been transforming scruffy parts of Torbay again but their efforts sadly didn’t last long.

Robbie Lynch and her friends covered one of Paignton’s seafront shelters with colourful knitting work at the weekend after weeks of preparation.

Those behind the knitting needles work overtime at the Crafty Fox Café in Foxhole Road, Paignton on Wednesday, the library in Churston on a Monday and The Lounge in Fleet Walk, Torquay on a Thursday where the girls get together for a knit and a natter.

And their creations go beyond the colourful with hand knitted seagulls, lighthouses, fishes and boats as well larger pieces used to cover up peeling paint and rusting railings.

The first yarn bomb took place around three years ago on another shelter on Paignton sea front, and since then the team have been attacking not just council venues, but privately owned businesses as well.

Fans love them so much they often contribute money which is then spent on a variety of good causes around the area.

“People think it is really cool,” said Robbie who brings the team together.

Ageing Well Torbay which has helped fund and organise the Yarnbombers – all members are youthful over 50s and Robbie has been involved with the project years.

Ageing Well Community Builder Suzie Slattery said: “The friendships that have been made are really deep – the sort of bonds that will last forever.

“They are quite a lively group and the laughter is long and loud.”

Robbie, from Foxhole, Paignton, has been knitting since the age of five – 55 years ago.

Sadly she had to give up her much loved job on the locomotives because of ill health and her connections with Ageing Well and her Yarnbombers have kept her going.

After last week’s Yarnbomb on a shelter next to Paignton Pier the group are turning their attention to Poppy Day – put-

of more than two

Yarnbombers Robbie, Jenny, Lynne, Lesley, Dot and Annie and their latest efforts (inset) ting their own spin on a display of hand knitted poppies which will adorn the window to the Lounge in Fleet Walk in late October and into November.

Which means they will be needing more wool: “We are always on the look out for wool, we do get through a heck of a lot of it.”

If you can help Suzie can be contacted at the Lounge in the centre of Torquay, or at the Crafty Fox in Foxhole or on 07884 887063 or email: suzieslattery@torbaycdt.org.uk

And if you can’t get down to Paignton to look at their work, they will be showcasing more at the Ageing Well Festival at Paignton Community and Sports Academy in Borough Road, Paignton on Saturday, October 20.