Zimele UK would like to thank all the amazing people who’ve helped to make this year’s Close-Knit Community such a success. Colourful knitted decorations are on 3 sites around town this year: Linda Vista Gardens, the Castle and on the Castle meadows. They all look stunning!
For a third year local people and women from Zimele’s projects in rural South Africa, knitted and crocheted squares in a myriad of styles, stitches and colours.
Ages range from 10 to 87 (as far as we know!), novices to ‘old hands’. Over 1600 squares were sewn into panels which would cover 16 trees. Quite a task! In the last stage 18 adults and 4 kids were up with the birds on Sunday 17th July to actually start the yarn bombing. We’re honoured the Mayor, Councillor Chris Woodhouse, and his consort, Councillor Sheila Woodhouse, attended the ‘opening ceremony’ in Linda Vista Gardens.
Why do we do all of this?
Of course there’s the enjoyment we get from crafting together and the hope you enjoy the splashes of colour around town (Do tag us if you post any pictures #CloseKnitCommunity). However, the starting point for all this was to highlight Zimele UK and the important work we do with rural women in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Women like Nozipho who has always crafted but struggled to make sufficient money to support herself, her mother and her child. With our mentorship she now leads her craft group and makes a healthy income. Or Mrs Majozi who voluntarily runs a pre-school for 22 children after we funded her teacher training.
We invite you to combine helping Zimele UKs work with celebrating people who are important to you. For a suggested donation of £5, we’ll put their name on the main tree at the castle or on the meadow, and on our social media. We’ll also give you a card as a memento of your dedication. To find out how visit our website www.zimele.org.uk, email info@zimele.org.uk or pick up a leaflet from many of the independent shops in Abergavenny.
Businesses can also get involved. For a suggested donation of £25, we’ll put your logo on our information board on the meadow site, for the duration of the Eisteddfod. The logos will also be displayed at the castle and you will be acknowledged on our social media.
We would particularly like to thank Mardy Park Resource Centre, Hiraeth Day Hospital, and staff and residents at Lavender Gardens for making squares, and local independent businesses Emmeline’s Homebaking, Sam Charrington Design, Sharon’s Toy Share, and The Wool Croft, for their continued support.
After the panels are taken down, they are washed and turned into blankets to give to other charities.
Rebecca Hands
