Bidford knit and natter group to help African babies - The Stratford Observer

Bidford knit and natter group to help African babies

Stratford Editorial 10th Mar, 2015 Updated: 28th Oct, 2016   0

NEWBORN babies in the poorest parts of Africa will be kept warm thanks to Bidford’s knit and natter group.

The 20-strong group knew they had to help after discovering babies in Africa were being sent home wrapped in newspaper as their parents cannot afford clothes – earning them the name ‘fish and chip babies’.

In a bid to help the newborns, many who are born with Aids, the knitters are making jumpers and hats to keep them warm in winter and protect them from the intense sun in summer.

The group – which meets once a week at Bidford Community Library – choose a different charity to help every few months. This previously included knitting a Christmas tree for The Shakespeare Hospice over the festive period.




Group spokeswoman Anne Dee said: “Adopting a charity is a really wonderful idea and everyone is enjoying it.

“One of our members was already knitting for the African babies and we thought it was a really worthwhile way to share our skills.”


Alongside the charity work people are encouraged to take on their own projects – such as knitting clothes for their family and friends – and they have been receiving help from the more experienced knitters of the group.

Anne told the Observer: “Our group is growing and growing and people of all ages really enjoy the companionship and look forward to meeting up with newly-found friends.

“The more expert knitters help our newcomers and advise them, which is really great.”

The group are currently looking for new members to join the group, which meets every Wednesday between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. Entry is free.

The knitting group hard at work in Bidford library. Picture by Jon Mullis 09.015.018.strat.jm1 (www.buyphotos247.com)

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