VOLUNTEERS at Neetside Community Centre and Age Concern Bude have been knitting and sewing blankets ready to hand out to those who will benefit from being kept warm in their home this autumn and winter.

In 2016, Neetside received a £100 donation from Sainsburys from the sales of its 5p carrier bags. Using this funding, over 100 ‘twiddlemuffs’ were made by the Neetside Knitting Volunteers and given out to those living with dementia.

Building on the success of the twiddlemuffs, Neetside was delighted when Sainsburys kindly made a second donation, which has purchased the wool for the Neetside volunteer knitters to create beautiful and unique blankets.

Cathy Bowley, who has been instrumental in leading the project, recruiting volunteers and contacting organisations to receive the blankets, said: “The blankets are all handmade with many of the knitters creating their own designs and colour schemes. The benefits of the project are two-fold as the blankets not only keep those who struggle with the cold nice and warm it also brings together people from our local community with a joint aim of helping others, and keeping a traditional skill going.”

Lyn Dowell, who has made three blankets and is on her fourth, says: “It’s nice to do something you enjoy, knowing that it will benefit the community.”

Some of the blankets made so far have been given to Tony Harper, who is the chairman of Age Concern, and are ready to give out to drivers.

Tony said: “Age Concern Bude and District are delighted and appreciate the work that has gone into making these blankets. Many thanks to all who have contributed.”

Pictured with Tony (left) are some of the volunteer knitters with the blankets they have already created. Including one of the ‘star knitters’ Jean, who alone has knitted over ten blankets.

The blankets are being distributed through, Neetside Community Centre, Age Concern Bude, Bude Memory Café, Exercising for Mobility, Contact the Elderly, and Meals on Wheels. There are a limited number of blankets, but contact Neetside on 01288 353403 if you know of someone who you feel could benefit from one.

The project also encourages new knitters to join in as knitting individual squares is a brilliant way for beginner knitters to get started. Those volunteers new to knitting have also found that the end result of blankets going to a good cause encourages them to finish a whole blanket.

For those who would like to learn to knit, the group meet on the first Monday of each month from 2pm to 4pm where they can teach all the skills a beginner needs.

The monthly knitting group is held at Neetside Community Centre where all the volunteers can come and have a tea and a chat, continue with their blankets, or be taught how to knit.

The next session is on Monday, August 6, and anyone who would like to be involved is welcome to come along.

A group spokesperson said: “We are looking for people who can knit the squares for the blankets and anyone who can help sew them together. Many of the volunteers are knitting at home so if you can’t make the group but would like to help, call the Neetside office or email [email protected].

“Any donations of double knit or chunky wool are also very much appreciated.”