June knitted group together

June Fearnley . . . praised for her dedication

A GROUP of women who enjoy a good yarn as they knit for charity have nominated the woman who made it possible for a Pride in Oldham award.

June Fearnley’s drive and commitment to set up a knit and natter group where members can cast off their worries and share purls of wisdom has resulted in a thriving community group.

Based at Lees Library, the circle of knitters often have each other in stitches when they meet fortnightly to while away the hours and create baby clothes and other items to sell in aid of Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

The idea was the brainchild of June, and her enthusiasm has harnessed a happy band of knitters to do good works and enjoy each other’s company.

Speaking on behalf of the circle, Joyce Knowles said: “We nominated June for her continuous activities, all of which are responsible for raising thousands of pounds for charity.”

Besides organising the knit and natter circle, June, of Long Lane, Chadderton, passes on her sewing, knitting and crocheting skills, makes sure everyone has the yarns, needles and patterns they need, and takes finished items to the Sew-Inn stall on Oldham’s indoor market to sell for charity.

“She creates pleasant groups where ladies may knit and natter, have some refreshments and generally enjoy themselves as they work,” said Joyce.

“There is an enormous amount of dedication required to sustain all the activities involved.”

June’s efforts both at Lees Library, and at a weekly Friday morning knit and natter circle at the Salt Cellar, Church Street, Oldham, have helped raise around £5,000 for the Royton hospice over the past couple of years.

She said after hearing of her nomination: “I am honoured. I don’t feel I do anything special, it’s just something I enjoy doing.”

June said she got as much out of the knit and natter circles as anyone else. “They are a really nice group of ladies, I enjoy going, and the bonus is we knit for Dr Kershaw’s.

“We do a lot more nattering than knitting,” laughed the mother-of-five, who also has 10 grandchildren.