Close-knit group yarning for volunteers
By Connor Steel
SINCE starting in Leeds back in September 2017, a group of knitters and crocheters have formed a ‘close knit’ community that is taking Britain forward ‘one stitch at a time’; with their Hampshire branch now looking for like-minded volunteers to join their small and growing team of yarn-lovers.
Hookers and Clickers (Do it for charity) has over 300 members nationwide after four years, in which volunteers have donated a total of 54,876 wool based items to fifty-five different charities and many groups across the country; with Gosport and Fareham residents helping this cause over recent years.
In 2021 the Hampshire branch put their hooks together to help local services and charities, creating a range of ‘bobby buddies’ for Gosport Police and South Coast Ambulance. Current projects include a variety of blankets for a down syndrome charity and adding to a community yarn-bombing in Leeds. Wool-based items have also been created over recent years for a range of occasions such as Easter baskets, Christmas wreaths and Remembrance Day poppies.
Although most work of the group is done for charity with plenty of suitable projects to choose from, this is not set and members can also suggest ideas or other groups to create for. Recent ideas have included crocheted flower bouquets, baby hats and syringe driver bags, whilst one member’s piece was showcased in an exhibition at Gosport Gallery.
And after Covid-19 lockdowns the Hampshire team have been getting together for monthly hook-ups, held every four weeks at the Elson Library & Community Hub in Gosport. Each session will last two hours between 11am and 1pm, with the next ‘hook-up’ scheduled to take place on February 12. But the team are looking for new members of all ages and ability levels to join their network, with the only request being to bring their own yarn . Welcoming and friendly faces will await newcomers with the occasional offer of refreshments available.
For more information on how to join the group or ask for donations, please email hookersandclickers@gmail.com. Examples of work and community outcomes can be found on their Facebook page or Instagram accounts.
PICTURED BY HOOKERS AND CLICKERS: Knitted and crocheted bears ready for ‘bobby buddies’ scheme
