A knit and natter raises charity cash

Stallholder Annette Minnis (left) and charity knitter June Fearnley with some of their wares

A CIRCLE of knitters who meet for a natter have ended up netting a massive £4,973 for charity.

The happy knitters have been making baby clothes and blankets to sell in aid of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice for more than two years.

Their creations are sold by Annette and Malcolm Minnis, who run the Sew-Inn stall at Oldham’s Tommyfield indoor market.

June Fearnley, who has raised money for the hospice for many years, masterminds the operation.

She meets fellow knitters and crocheters once a fortnight at Lees Library and once a week at the Salt Cellar teashop in Oldham town centre for “a knit and a natter.”

She heads a group of around 15 regular charity knitters who between them have made dozens of jackets, bootees, bonnets and blankets to sell for the cause.

Their reputation is such that people even place orders at the market stall for items in particular sizes or colours.

Annette and Malcolm also sell fund-raising items for Dr Kershaw’s, which brings the total raised from sales to £6,110.

“I have always had a group of ladies who knit, and since my children grew up it gives me something to do,” said June (63) of Long Lane, Chadderton.

She is always eager to sign on more knitters, with either group, or to knit at home.

Some people provide their own wool, and some comes from the proceeds of sales so more items can be made.

The Lees Library knit and natter group meet fortnightly from 1.20-3.30pm. They next meet on Thursday, April 15.

The Salt Cellar circle meet every Friday, 10.30am-12.30pm, and anyone interested in joining is welcome to drop in.