A close ‘knit’ group celebrate 5 years together

• 23 February 2022

The ‘Knits of the Round Table’ celebrated their 5^th birthday with tea and a special cake in the Bistro this week.

Two further members attended on Zoom, one of whom was Alice, who has been with the group since the start.

There was also a message from a former member who moved out of the area and can no longer attend – but has since joined her own local hospice group.

The Knits of the Round Table 

Made up of staff, volunteers, supporters and previous users of the Hospice services, both from the Hospice at Shelford Bottom and the Alan Hudson Day Treatment Centre in Wisbech.

Traditionally they came together face-to -face to share ideas, skills and chat together whilst knitting creative pieces which could be sold to raise vital funds for the Charity.

Over the past two years they have managed to stay in touch mainly online via Zoom calls.

Their knitted master pieces so far range from knitted chicks to a knitted wishing well which can be found pride of place in the main reception as you enter the Hospice.

The Knits are also responsible for adorning the lampposts, from the Babraham Road Park & Ride carpark to the Hospice, bringing much cheer with their colourful displays, including the wonderful fairy doors and wild flower project in the summer last year.

Since 2017 

The volunteer group was launched with the first meeting on 23 February 2017, a stormy day with trees down which prevented some people attending – a bit of a theme here with storm Eunice arriving the day after this meeting!

It was set up with the aim of getting people together socially whilst making items for the Hospice (be that physical items for use in the Hospice and items to be sold to raise funds which could be put back into keeping our services free of charge for the patients).

Six people attended the first meeting, some of whom have been coming ever since! They have had up to 14 people at a meeting and also have some ‘home knitters’ who can’t make it to the Hospice but still like to contribute.

Celebrating 5 years 

During the celebration get together they reminisced about previous projects and celebrated the groups ‘signature’ knit of Arthur Bear picnics. These were first launched in 2017 and to date 245 sets have been sold!

They shared a special birthday cake featuring Arthur Bear having his 5^th birthday picnic, which was kindly baked by the group’s founder Chris Barker.

Chris commented:

“It’s not all about the funds we raise, it’s the smiles we put on people’s faces. A huge thank you to the ‘Knitters’ for all their hard work and time over the last five years and we look forward to seeing what they come up with next.”

Anyone is welcome to join the group, who meet the third Thursday of every month and experienced knitters or beginners are welcome. If you love knitting and would like to join the ‘Knits of the round table’ or want to find out more, give us a call on 01223 675777.