Tight-knit Maghera group launch latest charity fundraiser

Meet the ‘Knit and Natter’ group in Maghera who come together once a week to knit, socialise, offer advice, sometimes a listening ear and help raise funds for charity.

The group, which has 22 members - 21 women and one man - meet every Tuesday morning from 10am to 12noon.

In the three years since the group’s formation, members have undertaken numerous charity projects. They have donated hats and blankets to neonatal hospital units and have sold some of their products to raise funds for local charities, including Air Ambulance NI.  They also knit some wonderful and unique creations just for the fun of it.

The group recently launched its Easter chick fundraiser and have been busy knitting bright and beautiful chicks which will be filled with Creme Eggs and sold in local shops.  All funds raised from the project will be donated to ‘Friends of the Street Children’, a Zambian based organisation which works with and for street-connected children in Zambia's Copperbelt.  The non- government organisation is totally reliant on voluntary donations.  In Zambia children are trying to survive on their own in the most drastic of circumstances. A lot of the children are AIDS orphans due to the AIDS pandemic sweeping Africa. When parents die the children are forced to move to the streets to find food and on the streets they are often the victims of abuse and violence. Friends of the Street Children has shelter houses that cater for boys and girls of all ages giving them a place of safety where they are cared for.

The ‘Knit and Natter’ members are hoping to knit hundreds of chicks in an effort to raise vital funds for the charity.  Drummullan woman Mary Quinn has already helped them on their way by knitting 120 chicks (below) in a variety of colours.

Mary McGill from the group said members dedicate their time to help others.

“We started up the Knit and Natter group to get people together after lockdown.  We meet every Tuesday here in Maghera in premises provided by The Link and currently have 22 members,” she said.

“We have launched our fundraiser for the Zambia group and want to make as many Easter chicks as possible which we will fill with Creme Eggs.  We are hoping to also receive donations of Creme Eggs so if anyone would like to donate any to us we would be extremely grateful.”

Elizabeth Whitaker (below), who is also involved in ‘Knit and Natter’ groups in Desertmartin and Knockloughrim, added: “We do a bit of everything here - sewing, crocheting and knitting.  People bring along their work and it gives them the chance to get others to help them or to help others out if they need it.  It’s also a great chance to chat with people and make new friends.  We have all become great friends here and it’s great for your mental health.  New members are always welcome.  We have one man here, so men are more than welcome to join us,” she said.

If you would like to donate Creme Eggs to the group for the Easter fundraiser, or if you would like to find out more information, contact Mary on  07936774074.