Diamonds and Oak

Feeling fortunate to have everything they need, they asked those who would like to give them a gift to donate money towards the Framework Knitters Museum. They’ve both been linked to the textile industry throughout their careers and are now Trustees at the Museum. After starting a knitwear business, Audrey went on to advise larger women on what suited them, launched Pretty Big magazine, hosted fashion shows at Harrods and House of Fraser stores and had her own weekly show on QVC.

Andrew has also had a distinguished career in textiles. He’s a Chartered Textile Technologist, Fellow of the Textile Institute, a Chartered Colour Chemist, a Fellow of the Society of Dyers & Colourists and a Livery Member of the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters. They’re both still working on the Museum’s behalf and Museum Manager Paul Baker said, “It is inspiring to have people such as Andrew and Audrey involved in the museum and I know everyone is eternally grateful for the work they do and especially for this amazing act of generosity”. For more information about the Framework Knitters Museum including opening times visit www.frameworkknittersmuseum.org.uk

Penny competition

The squares start and end on waste yarn, so they can be adjusted. Each Christmas the club holds a competition and the winner chooses the charity to support the following year. Pat Wright was presented with her trophy by Cllr Eve Martin. For 2014 she’s chosen Barby Keel Animal Sanctuary, Charity No. 1095382, so members will knit a blanket with animal motifs. They’ll also fund raise by selling small knitted items and holding a raffle. If you’d like to know more about Priory Knits, call Sue Castro on 01424-437468 after 6.00 pm or email her at sue@1066.net

Gosh!

This children’s charity needs to raise £50 million a year to help rebuild and refurbish Great Ormond Street Hospital, provide vital up-to-date equipment and fund research into better treatments for the children. For more information and to see the full range of Christmas gifts visit http://www.gosh.org/christmas

The Big Stitch

Each centimetre in the kilometre long scarf will represent the 100,000 children and young people who run away from home each year in the UK. The Big Stitch campaign runs until 13 January 2009, traditionally the coldest day of the year. To find out how to get involved call 0845-300 1128 or visit http://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/bigstitch