Crafternooners, a group of community knitters from Shanklin, have created a collection of ‘blankets of love’ as part of Shanklin Carnival week.
The blankets, themed to the 200th anniversary of poet John Keats’ residence in the town, are to be displayed at locations along the procession route.
Project co-ordinator Karl Stedman said:
‘The Blankets celebrate the members of our community who give their time to make our town such a special place. For those who volunteer in the library, theatre, for Green Towns and charity shops, to those who work and support projects for local national and international charities and for those who contribute less formally, the ‘good neighbours’ who support others in the community. Together these people are the glue which holds this town together”.
The locations cover St Paul’s Church, the Methodist Church and the United Reform Church – hanging inside and outside these community buildings and bringing colour to the carnival and community life.
Karl added:
“The panels have been produced by the Shanklin Crafternooners using yarn left over from other projects. The group meet at the Shanklin Youth and Community Centre on the third Saturday of the month”.
Mayor Steve Knight, who unveiled the collection recently, said:
“Carnival is a highlight of Shanklin’s Summer, and this innovative initiative will add to the colour of the occasion”.
Rev Mark Williams, of St Paul’s, concluded:
“We welcome being a part of this year’s Carnival and our ‘Poet-Tree’ also captures the work of the Church restoring our grounds for the benefit of the community”.
Mayor Steve Knight also presented Dave Woodward, of Keats Cottage, a commemorative plaque in honour of the 200th anniversary (pictured above).
More information can be found on Facebook – Shanklin Crafternooners.
