Knitting social group for over 50s starting up

A CHARITY that fosters closer ties between young people and the over 50s is appealing for new members who can knit for needy children to join a new for a new social group.

A CHARITY that fosters closer ties between young people and the over 50s is appealing for new members who can knit for needy children to join a new for a new social group.

Littleham's Howard Witts is the East Devon coordinator for RSVP, the Retired and Senior Volunteer Programme, the only UK wide organisation that offers the opportunity to everyone over the age of 50 to volunteer.

And he is calling for new members to start up a new social group, to meet weekly in Withycombe.

The group will start up in about a month and members will get to have a cuppa and a chat while knitting clothes, toys and other accessories for underprivileged children

He said: "We want people over the age of 50 to come and join us, get together weekly in Exmouth, enjoy themselves and knit for children.

"It could be for children in neo-natal units, hospitals, from poor countries and they could be items like garments or cuddly toys.

"We would provide the venue and all the materials and refreshments."

He said it would be ideal for people who liked knitting but didn't go out as much they would like and wanted to meet like minded people.

He added that if the group was successful he would go start up other groups possibly in Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton.

Mr Witts also thanked volunteers who applied to the last programme - giving up their time to help children with literacy in schools - and thanked residents who had doubled the amount of volunteers since the appeal went out in February.

For more information call Howard on: (01395) 273692.

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