Radcliffe knitters supporting our soldiers

Natty knitters at Radcliffe Library have been working furiously to make hats and gloves for our armed forces serving abroad.

And they have been joined by their counterparts in the Coronation Road Clickers, who have knitted Christmas mini-stockings that hold a bar of chocolate. 

Radcliffe Libraryusers and members of the Friday morning Coffee Group have also donated items such as toiletries, chocolate, games and puzzle books. All of these gifts will be sent to serving soldiers in time for Christmas.

The Support Our Soldiers charity was set up in 2003 by two mums with sons serving in the armed forces. Sharon Thomas, Manchesterand Bolton co-ordinator for the charity, said: “Working with the Ministry of Defence, we provide morale boosting parcels for those serving oversees.  We send parcels all year round and it’s surprising how even the smallest gift is greatly appreciated, particularly by those who don’t normally receive any gifts. We are now planning our parcels for February/March which should reach our soldiers in time for Easter. If anyone would like to donate any items please get in touch via our website www.supportoursoldiers.co.uk.”

The Radcliffe Knitting Group’s next project is for the Streets of Community Spirit (SOCS) Project. Members will knit a square for the knitted Christmas Tree which will be on display in Bury’s Mill Gate centre, and then they will be knitting blankets for Bleakholt Animal Shelter.

The Radcliffe knitters meet every Thursday from 2pm to 3pm, and people of all ages and abilities are welcome.

Other knitting groups in the borough meet at the following libraries:

• Bury – Mondays, 1-3pm
• Brandlesholme – Thursdays, 1.30-3.30pm
• Coronation Road – Thursdays, 10am-noon
• Dumers Lane– Wednesdays, 10am-noon
• Moorside – Tuesdays, 2-4pm
• Topping Fold – Wednesdays, 5-7pm
• Whitefield – Tuesdays, 10-11am

ENDS

Press release issued: 2 November 2012.

Picture attached: Knit for victory – Radcliffe Knitting Group members (back, from left) Christiana Cocra, Julie Taylor (library assistant), Susan Whewell, Mary Gaskell and Carolyn Lonsdale (library assistant), with (front, from left) Sharon Watson (co-ordinator of Support our Soldiers) and Margaret Spencer.