Knitters enjoy natter at new club (From Oxford Mail)

Knitters enjoy natter at new club

2:20pm Monday 8th December 2008

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A new club offering “a knit and a natter” has been set up on an Oxford estate.

The Knitting Club was created to bring needle novices and experts together in a friendly atmosphere.

The club’s first meeting took place last Wednesday at the Clockhouse Community Centre, in Long Ground, Greater Leys, and organisers are looking for new members aged over 50 to join the group’s fortnightly gatherings.

Club member Paula Foulsham, 57, of Frys Court, Greater Leys, said the hobby’s popularity was on the increase after high-profile endorsements from stars such as Madonna and Cameron Diaz.

She said: “Knitting is really picking up again. There are several magazines about knitting available now, when there used to be none.

“You see photos of celebrities sitting knitting and celebrities knitting for charity — it seems to have become really popular.”

According to a recent survey by the UK Hand Knitting Association, four million women and 448,000 men are said to have an interest in knitting or sewing.

Mrs Foulsham, who has 40 years’ knitting experience, added: “We’ve just started the group and we want to encourage anyone to come along.

“Knitting is a really nice thing to do. People can come to us and knit in a social setting, or come to learn and ask for advice if they get stuck.

“Anybody’s welcome and you can knit what you want. The idea is to come and have a knit and natter and meet new people.

“We’re a friendly bunch and there’s lots going on. We’re here to give people a social outlet.”

The Knitting Club is the latest in a string of schemes organised by the Leys Community Development Initiative for over-50s.

Leys CDI has previously organised workshops in tai chi and yoga and recently held a Christmas craft fair.

Community worker Sally Meachim said: “People are very ready to help beginners at knitting and crochet and show them the tricks of the trade.”

The group will next meet on Wednesday, December 17, between 10am and 11am. Entry is free but tea and biscuits cost £1.

For more information, call Ms Meachim at the Clockhouse on 01865 395908.

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