A WORLD record knitting attempt took place in Saltburn when a giant handmade sculpture was wrapped around the town’s church.
The aim was to create over 450 meters of knitted sculptures to cover the perimeter of Emmanuel Church on Windsor Road.
Among those contributing to the display were residents from Hazelgrove Court Care Home, on Randolph Street, who produced 20 dolls to represent charities close to their hearts, as well as themes including the seaside and the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
One doll had ‘forget-me-nots’ for the Alzheimer’s Society, and others had hats for Brain Tumour Research, odd socks for the Down’s Syndrome Association, butterflies for the Multiple Sclerosis Society, hearts for the British Heart Foundation, cornflowers for the Motor Neuron Disease Association, and a pink pierrette for Breast Cancer Research.
Read more: BOARDED UP: Another problem home is shut down after neighbours left terrified
Residents also created a mermaid and a boy with a seagull on his head for the seaside theme, alongside a red, white, and blue doll and a town crier for the Platinum Jubilee.
The display was officially opened at the start of May but, unfortunately, did not reach the required length to be considered for the Guinness World Record.
Carol Coppinger, 89, and Joyce Baxtrem, 90, alongside Hazelgrove Court Care Home activities coordinator Sharon Lewis and volunteer Lynn Walshaw paid a visit to the display.
Carol said: “The display is absolutely great. I love all the dolls but the surfboarder is my favourite.”
Read more: Man suffers head injury after being attacked by gang with metal poles
Joyce, who had knitted the hats for the Brain Cancer Research doll, said: “I liked knitting the hats, but making Pierrette was my favourite as I remember seeing Pierrette and Pierrot at Redcar Sunshine Corner when I was a child.”
Resident Walter Ross, 88, also got involved, knitting the town crier’s bell, having previously produced dozens of woollen poppies for the care home Armistice Day display last year. He said: “This is harder than knitting poppies.”
Activities coordinator Sharon said: “Residents loved this project as there were so many things for them to knit. They could choose to do a full knitted sculpture such as Joyce’s Pierrette or parts of each one, such as the Town Cryer’s lantern that Walter made.
“It was great taking part in a project with our local community, as part of the Saltburn Platinum Jubilee celebrations. It’s been so meaningful for everyone at the care home.
“Despite not meeting World Record length, residents weren’t deterred in any way, as they’re hugely proud to make the contribution to their local community.”
--
Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
You can also follow our dedicated Teesside Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.
For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.
Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here