What started as two friends visiting each others rooms to knit, has now turned into a fully fledged club at Cherry Wood Grange Care Home.
The home on Writtle Road, is no home to a knitting club after residents Judith and Marian suggested bringing fellow knitting enthusiasts together to enjoy their favourite hobby.
What started with the two friends visiting each other’s rooms to knit has grown into a popular fortnightly club, with around eight residents now meeting every other Wednesday afternoon.
Cherry Wood Grange Care Home is a 66-bed care home providing residential, specialist dementia and nursing care. It’s knitting club is also open to the local community with all welcome.
The group has been busy knitting baby cardigans, jumpers, hats, scarves, mittens, booties and blankets, which will be sold at a special charity event at the home on Tuesday, December 8.
The residents have chosen to support The Brompton Fountain, a charity nominated by Judith in recognition of the care and treatment her grandson has received since birth. Now aged 12, her grandson continues to be supported by the charity and in September underwent another heart operation.
“The charity means the world to my family,” said 88-year-old Judith Pepler, “my grandson is recovering well and I’m so thankful for all they do to support him.
“I’m very excited for the sale, we’re all busy knitting to make sure we’re able to raise plenty of money for them!”
As well as supporting a worthwhile cause, the club has helped residents rediscover a much-loved hobby, build friendships and enjoy spending time together.
For resident Marian Moore, aged 89, one of the highlights has been sharing her knitting skills with younger members of the care team, including lifestyle team member Harry, who has become a regular participant.
Marian said: “I’ve really enjoyed teaching Harry how to knit. He’s picked it up so well and I’m very proud of what he’s achieved. He now joins us every time with his knitting!
“I’ve also recently taught another resident how to knit, which has been lovely. It’s nice to be able to share something I’ve enjoyed doing for so many years.”
Harry added: "I was surprised at how quickly I picked it up; Marian is such a kind and patient teacher. I’ve really enjoyed learning from her and joining the ladies each week.”
For resident Nikki Penberthy, aged 78, the club has provided an opportunity to return to a hobby she enjoyed in her younger years.
“I used to do a lot of knitting when I was younger, so it's been lovely to take it up again," she said.
“I really enjoy getting together with everyone. We have a good chat while we're knitting and it's nice to be making things for such a worthwhile cause.”
The club has also become a special opportunity for resident Dolly Sorrie, aged 95, to spend time with her daughter Helen, who has recently joined the group.
Dolly said: “I love spending time with Helen and it’s lovely that we can enjoy knitting and crocheting together.”
Helen added: “I really enjoyed coming along to the knitting club with Mum. It’s wonderful to be able to share a hobby we both love and spend that time together.”
The club is supported by members of the lifestyle team, volunteers and family members, including Stevie, whose knitting experience has helped residents refresh their skills and encouraged others to get started.
As well as providing opportunities for social interaction and friendship, knitting can help residents maintain hand and finger movement, dexterity and coordination.
Cherry Wood Grange won the Community Partnerships Award at last year’s Essex Care Sector Awards: The Prospers.
Sue Smith, manager at Cherry Wood Grange, said: “What makes our knitting club so special is that it was the residents’ own idea. Judith and Marian wanted to bring people together to share something they love, and it's wonderful to see how popular it has become.
“Our knitting club runs fortnightly on Wednesdays from 2.30pm and is open to all, we would love to give a warm welcome to members of our wider community.
“For some residents, it’s an opportunity to rediscover a hobby they’ve enjoyed for many years, while for others it's about learning new skills and enjoying the company of friends.
“Our residents have put so much time and effort into creating items for the charity sale, and we're all looking forward to supporting them in raising money for a such a worthwhile cause.”
The charity sale will take place at Cherry Wood Grange on Tuesday, December 8, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm. Alongside the knitted items, visitors will be able to purchase handmade wooden Christmas tree decorations and bookmarks created by residents during their art sessions.
All proceeds will go to The Brompton Fountain.
