Knitters weave the borough together

Mayor Mohammed Zaman with knitting groups from across the borough to showcase knitting’s power to weave the borough together

Knitters from across the borough of Rochdale were out in force at Rochdale Town Hall on 20 March to showcase their talents and knitting’s power to bring people together.

The event was the brainchild of the borough’s Mayor, Councillor Mohammed Zaman who said: “Knitting is a fantastic way to bring people together and show we are one community and as one we are stronger.

“By spending time together and learning something new this everyday pastime encourages people to break down the barriers of isolation and loneliness that often trigger illnesses.

“From my time spent with all communities across the borough, I know there was a wealth of knitting skills and creativity out there. I saw this event as an opportunity for our communities to celebrate their diversity, share skills with each other and encourage anyone who wants to, to start a group of their own.”

Twelve groups from across the borough attended the event organised by community builders from Living Well, the borough’s health and wellbeing partnership.

Tracy Ashton from Middleton Knitters Club, one of the newest knitting groups in the borough said: “We got the group going to knit garments for homeless people.

“With the help of a community builder from Living Well, we now get together regularly at the MIND Café and so far, we’ve knitted over 200 garments such as hats, scarves and blankets for homeless people as well as booties, hats and mittens for premature babies.

“It’s just a brilliant way for people to enjoy each other’s company, keep fingers flexible and keep the old grey matter awake.”

Carolyn Whittaker from Smithybridge, who lives and breathes knitting said: “I’ve been a knitter since I was nine years old, and in recent years I’ve been using my knitting skills to support many local charities with things like knitted poppies for Help for Heroes, yellow ducks to help promote organ donation and even ‘knitted knockers’ to improve breast cancer awareness.

“Leukaemia and breast cancer took my husband and mum from me, and knitting is a great way to raise awareness of these deadly diseases and do my bit to help fight back.”

Anyone who wants to get something going to improve the health and wellbeing of their community can get help from a community builder. Just call Living Well on 01706 751190.