Benarty Crochet Club celebrates their third anniversary

What began in June 2023 as a simple request for a resident to demonstrate the practice to a small group has blossomed into a thriving weekly club.

The club has adapted over time from just crocheting, to include knitting and needlepoint.

Every Friday morning, more than 20 enthusiastic participants gather at BRAG’s headquarters in Crosshill for the "much-loved" club session.

One of the looms that the group uses (Image: BRAG)

Although there is no official tutor available, organisers say experienced members are always happy to support beginners.

The club is run in conjunction with BRAG’s Food4Thought Program, ensuring free supplies for anyone who wants to learn a new skill.

A spokesperson for the group said that the creativity of the members knows no bounds, as one member learnt how to spin her own wool and demonstrated the process for the group before using it to knit a child’s cardigan.

Importantly, the club is not just about crafting.

Some members attend purely for the social aspect, highlighting the group’s role in reducing social isolation.

Childs Cardigan made from wool that was spun on loom (Image: BRAG)

Although members often work on individual projects, the group regularly comes together to support the wider community.

Previous initiatives include creating sensory toys for a local primary school and crafting two poppy wreaths in 2025.

One wreath was donated to Benore Care Home, while the other was laid at the Benarty War Memorial during the Remembrance Day ceremony.

The group also contributes handmade items for raffles, helping to raise funds for BRAG’s pantry.

Poppy wreaths created by members (Image: BRAG)

Alongside the crochet club, BRAG’s "Full House Friday" takes place at the pantry, offering £1 hot breakfast rolls, free tea and coffee, and £1 bingo sessions in the afternoon.

Organisers say everyone is welcome on a Friday; however, if crochet is not for you, there are various clubs and activities that BRAG runs throughout the year.

For more information, contact Ann Moodie, development worker at BRAG, on amoodie@brag.co.uk or call 01592 860296.

More examples of the work produced by the crochet club can be found on the BRAG Crosshill Facebook page.