THE pandemic has taken a toll on the country’s mental health, but a community group is combatting this issue with a new project. The Crafty Hubbers, a group of knitters in Thornton le Dale, has raised more than £2,000 for mental health in the local area through the Buddy Bear Appeal. The Buddy Bear Appeal is similar to a chain letter, with the idea of knitting three bears to pass onto a friend, family member, neighbour or someone who is struggling. Thornton le Dale businesses – including Balderson’s Welcome Café, Clothes for Comfort and Hip and Square – have offered to sell the knitted bears.
RESIDENTS at a Ryedale care home celebrated Easter with a unique piece of art work. Nurses, local knitting group, The Crafty Hubbers, and members of the community, donated their time and helped residents and colleagues at The Hall in Thornton-le-Dale, knit, crochet and stitch more than 1,200 flowers and pollinating insects that they wrapped around the home and the grounds. The Hall’s colourful yarn bombing will contribute to the village s entry to the Britain in Bloom competition. The home now wants to continue their community connections by decorating it in spectacular knits every Easter. Monica Hindley, 80, resident at The Hall, said: “I love knitting and Dorothy from The Crafty Hubbers can turn our simple knits into beautiful works of art.”