A group of knitters have been nominated for the Community or Voluntary Group of the Year Award.

Werrington Knitter Natter Group has just completed creating an astonishing 90 teddies in just six weeks and plan to keep making even more.

The hand knitted and crocheted teddies have been donated to Staffordshire Police to comfort children during ‘upsetting experiences’.

The teddies will be used to comfort young children who are involved in distressing incidents.
The teddies will be used to comfort young children who are involved in distressing incidents.

Nominating the group, Diane Clowes said: “My reason for this nomination is that my father died three years ago and the Knit and Natter Group had just opened its doors for the first time in the Werrington Library which was on a trial basis.

“My mum, who is now 81, went along with her knitting bag and she was one of the only ones there together with Jean McNicholl and Barbara Hughes, who were running it.

“From there it started and three years on it is still going strong with many new ladies that have joined in too. Simply having a chat, a knit and a natter has been a total lifeline for my mum.

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“Without this group I don’t know where we would be. I cannot thank them enough as it has helped mum to come to find a different path and make some very nice new friendships with some lovely ladies and new social skills too.

“It has also given her a sense of belonging and importance.”

The ladies knit and crochet various items including making tiny blankets and hats for the neo-natal ward at the Royal Stoke University Hospital.

They take it in turns to take them up to the ward when they have made a bundle.

Diane added: “They run a little shop inside the library to help to fund-raise for various causes including a local fire station.

“Mum always says to me I wish every day could be a Wednesday – Knit and Natter day.

“For the ladies that lead the group they will never know just how much they mean to my mum they have and are truly her lifeline together with her lovely friends that she has made.”

The Post & Times has partnered with Staffordshire Moorlands District Council to launch the Moorlands Heroes Awards to honour unsung heroes from across our communities.

In the coming weeks we will be telling the inspirational stories of more nominees across a number of categories - Child or Teenager of Courage; Carer of the Year; Fund-raiser of the Year; Bright Star of the Year; Adult Achiever of the Year; and Community or Voluntary Group of the Year.

To nominate someone, or a group, email: leslie.jackson@reachplc.com