SHE may be known as Madam to her fellow Hookers while other people just call her Gaynor.
But one thing is certain – many know her as one of the biggest charity fundraisers in Wokingham.
Now, Gaynor White has been nominated for another title, as Charity Fundraiser of the Year in the Wokingham Community Awards.
Gaynor is the leader of the popular crochet group, the Barkham Hookers – so named due to the use of crochet hooks to produce a host of amazing designs.
As well as teaching crochet to, and supporting a Facebook group of more than 600 local people Gaynor is the driving force behind many of the group’s charitable activities.
Fellow hooker, Vicki Laurie, who nominated Gaynor described her as “an inspirational fundraiser” for numerous charities.
“One annual project Gaynor works tirelessly on is fundraising for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal,” she explained.
“Each year she coordinates the creation of thousands of crocheted poppy brooches, with 100% of the money raised going directly to the charity. Gaynor started this initiative by herself initially, raising a few hundred pounds just by selling to family and friends, however, this has now grown hugely, raising an astounding £56,600 since 2013.
“Through her network of hookers, Gaynor also organises an annual Macmillan coffee morning each year, raising several hundred pounds through coffee and cake sales and selling yarn donated to her. In September 2022 she single-handedly organised a craft market at Barkham Church Hall, raising an incredible £1,300 for the local charity, The Cowshed.
“In 2015, inspired by a situation where one of her hookers required the services of the Thame Valley Air Ambulance, she led a group to produce the Barkham Hookers calendar for 2016 – similar to the famous ‘calendar girls’ version, but with crochet props and, of course, clothing.
“This raised over £1,000, split equally between TVAA and The Link Visiting scheme. Gaynor has been an active member of the Link Visiting Scheme for three years, regularly giving up her time to spend a few hours a week with a number of pensioners, chatting, crocheting and generally brightening their days.”
Others who have benefited from Gaynor’s passion for helping charities include the Thames Hospice which received £700 from the sale of crocheted Sunflower brooches, and Alexandra Grange Care Home received £400.00 from the sales of Forget Me Not brooches.
Funds have also been raised for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice, the Alzheimer’s Society and many other worthy causes.
Added Vicki: “Gaynor’s charitable work is not always financial. For example, SANDS Berkshire, the local branch of the Stillbirth & Neonatal Death charity has also been the recipient of Gaynor’s time and dedication.
“Bereaved parents receive a pair of matching crocheted hats and baby blankets – one of which is buried with the infant and the other given to the parents in an ‘Always Loved, Never Forgotten’ memory box.
“Royal Berkshire Hospital also receives handmade lap blankets and hats/mittens for their elderly patients who have no visitors. Gaynor also coordinated the group to assist the Cowshed with the provision of crocheted hats and scarves for those in need during the winter, and in their project to hand out welcome bags to Ukrainian refugees driven from their homes due to the war – blue and yellow hearts were crocheted to be included in the bags to make those joining our community feel welcome and supported.
“In December 2022, The Barkham Hookers partnered with First Days Charity to run some crochet workshops which people paid to attend, all profits going to the charity. And in early 2023 she also led the charge making crocheted hearts for the First Days Heart Trail, and later in the year, teamed up with First Days and the Wokingham Town Council to produce a post box topper trail for those in the community to follow and enjoy.
“Berkshire Guide Dogs for the blind have received blankets for their puppies to comfort them when they first leave their mum and, during the height of the pandemic, Gaynor mobilised the Barkham Hookers to make hundreds of crocheted ear savers for care home and NHS staff whose ears were being rubbed raw by the constant wearing of masks.
“Lap blankets are also made for the Chemo Gift Bag charity, supporting those having chemotherapy treatment.
“What other fundraising 2023 and beyond brings, remains to be seen but Gaynor’s Hookers are all very proud to be involved. We thank Gaynor for all she does and believe her to be very deserving of this honour.”
