RESIDENTS in Finchampstead and Wokingham have awoken to garlands of poppies.
A group of crochet enthusiasts decorated the two towns overnight with poppies, gonks (yarn figures) and post box toppers.
It’s not the first time that the Barkham Hookers have decorated the borough with their yarn creations.
They have been in existance for a decade, and this year the group celebrates 10 years since it first began in Gaynor White’s living room.
Gaynor leads The Barkham Hookers, and what began for her as a hobby, has now turned into her job.
“I teach four crochet classes a week, and we have grown in number to more than 600 Hookers.”
As well as her classes, Gaynor gives private lessons, including to a pupil in hospital.
The group’s charity efforts have raised £60,000 during the decade, £54,000 of which have been for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Gaynor says: “Yarn bombing has been taking place for years all over the world by crocheters, knitters and craftspeople.
“It’s simply a way to brighten up a public space either for charity or just for fun, to celebrate a local or a national event.
“If you Google it you will be amazed at what has been done!
“We’ve been yarn bombing Wokingham with poppies for about eight years and recently decorated the town for the Jubilee.
“For Dementia week we put up forget-me-nots, and during Mental Health week we covered the town in crocheted kites.”
Another of the group’s ventures saw its members cover more than 40 bollards with bobble hats.
“We decorate post boxes at Easter and Christmas, and for other special occasions.
“I dressed a few to remember Queen Elizabeth when she passed away.”
Gaynor has recently been asked to share her crochet skills as a craft teacher for justhands-on.tv.
“I have always wanted to be able to say, ‘here’s one I made earlier’, like a Blue Peter presenter.
“With the making of this programme came my opportunity,” she laughs.
Yarn bombing is quite a social occasion for The Barkham Hookers.
“It is always a fun evening when about 10 to 15 of us attach all the decorations after a meal and a couple of glasses of wine!”
Gaynor runs the following sessions in term time:
On Tuesdays in the Finchampstead Baptist Church library from 10am to noon, and from 6.45pm to 8.45pm.
On Wednesdays and Fridays a class takes place at Sanpa Restaurant, Wokingham from 10am to noon.
Pay as you go sessions cost £5.
All levels of skill are welcome, and there is no need to book.
For more information email: familywhite25@gmail.com or call 07985 046977
or visit the group’s Facebook page.
