Imagine being so poor that you have to wrap your new born baby in newspaper. Almost impossible to comprehend in a rural, country village like Bishop Monkton, but it is a very real situation in many of the poorer countries of the world and is a plight that has resonated with the ladies of the village's Stitchers' Group.

Members of this group of ladies, who meet once a month to chat, knit, crochet, embroider, sew and stitch, decided a few years ago to help support a charitable initiative called Fish-and-Chips Babies, so called because many of the families cannot afford clothes for their new-born infants, resulting in the babies having to be wrapped in newspaper to keep warm-hence the name. Since then, many hundreds of little outfits, comprising hats and jumpers, have been sent out, via the Inner Wheel Club of Ripon, to the charity. A simple vest design, knitted in one complete piece is used and is a pattern which even a novice knitter can follow, usually taking only an afternoon or evening to complete. Dark colours of wool are preferred, as clothing is not frequently washed. However, an occasional bright stripe does make the garment more attractive and appealing.

The ladies of the group also knit squares for charity, again dispatched to where they are most needed by the Association of Inner Wheel Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland. The squares are joined together to make blankets which not only provide warmth from the bitterly cold nights, but also offer shelter from the blistering heat of the sun or can be used as a swaddle for carrying infants.

Another initiative the Group have supported in the past is “Bobby Buddies”. These are knitted teddy bears that the police carry in their vehicles and offer as support or comfort to a child who may be upset, scared or vulnerable. Children who may have been involved in a distressing or traumatic situation, such as road traffic accident, domestic incident or child neglect or even been a victim of crime themselves. The Group made tiny, knitted, replica police constables, complete with radio, with eyes, mouth and nose stitched in such a way as to create a kindly expression. The children cuddle, and gain a great deal of comfort, from their cute, little, new friends.

If you have any spare double knitting wool, please consider donating it to the Stitchers Group. It will be much appreciated and often used to help, in some small way, to make other people's lives that little bit better. Contact Lesley Taylor, 677664, if you would like make a donation.