Bartonvale Lodge residents Margaret Parfitt and Jill Pritchard formed a craft group about 12 years ago.
“Initially we knitted, sewed and made novelties to put on display at village open days. As time went on knitting took precedence and we opted to knit solely for charity,” Margaret says.
“We made jumpers and scarves for disadvantaged children, vests, beanies, booties and comfort dolls for premature and disadvantaged babies but by far our greatest achievement was knitting more than 600 wonderful trauma teddies for Modbury Hospital.
Margaret says the group has become a social ‘friendship group’ that meets weekly and would like to extend an invitation to all residents to join them for a chat and cuppa.
“We took a break from knitting to give our fingers a rest but continued to meet, chat and enjoy an afternoon tea together,” Margaret says.
“Then about 18 months ago we took up our needles again and started knitting bears for the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.
“We changed our name to the Friendship Group hoping that we would attract more people, including men. However there’s just 10 to 12 of us at the moment, which is the same as all those years ago!
“Most of the faces have changed but Jill and I were there since the beginning.
“We meet Friday afternoons and everyone is welcome – no need to do anything, just chat and have a cup of tea or coffee with us.”
