Our Customer Involvement Team support tenant and resident groups all across Doncaster that are doing great things for local people. These groups help to make our communities lively places that always have lots going on for people to get involved in throughout the week!
One place we support where you can find fun activities and friendly conversation is Skipwith Communal Hall in Rossington, where crochet and knitting group The Chain Gang hold their regular sessions.
Julie, who runs the group, said:
“The group has been running for about ten years and I have been the lead since just before the Covid lockdown started. We do crochet here and a little bit of knitting as well. We each have our own type of thing we like to do – for example Toni makes toys, I like baby items and Julie does a bit of everything!”
They meet twice a week and it’s a great chance for people to get out of the house, socialise and enjoy doing some needlework. Even better, you don’t need to be an expert to join in!
“We are here on Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings, and everyone is welcome!” said Julie.
“We have had an 11 year old girl who came here to learn how to crochet with her mum, and then we’ve got an 83 year old lady who has knitted all of her life and is now doing really well with crochet. She has made some lovely blankets and other items, she would come each week with a different swatch size and really enjoyed herself!
“We have everything people need for knitting and crocheting. We’ve got books, pattern, needles – so if you are a complete beginner then we do have a starter pack for you.”
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The activities that they do in the group have a big positive effect, not just for the members but also for the wider community!
“Over the years we’ve done a lot to brighten up the community as well”, said Julie.
“We did a post box topper of the Queen for our village, we crocheted bunting to hang for the Royal Jubilee, and we also made some lovely roses that we posted through the letterboxes of people living locally as part of the Jubilee celebrations. People seemed to really love those!
“It’s a bit of a social club as well. We all have a chat, share our problems – we’ve made some really good friends here.”
That’s a sentiment that is felt by the others in the group too. Another member, who is also called Julie, said:
“Crocheting and knitting are very good for your mental health. You totally focus on what you are doing and forget all about your worries, and we have such a laugh together in the group while we’re doing it!”
So, if you live in the area and would like to learn a new skill this summer or just have a chat and join in with the groups projects, then why not get down to Skipwith Communal Hall?
The Chain Gang meet there every Monday evening from 6-8pm, and every Tuesday morning from 9:30am-12 noon. If you are interested and willing to learn the group are more than happy to help, they just ask that any children who visit are accompanied by an adult.
Wherever you live in the borough, you can find out more about what is going on in your community by visiting our website by clicking here.
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