Dovestone WI working like Mill Girls for the homeless
Dovestone WI has set a task for 2020 to make sleeping mats for the homeless out of non-recyclable shopping bags.
Last night they gathered at the Reclamation Rooms in Uppermill to start the task. They started by cutting down the shopping bags into rings and then knotted the rings together to form a ‘thread’. The threads were then rolled into balls ready for the next stage of the operation: crochet and knitting the mats.
Many said the process was exciting and quite addictive. The sound of happily chattering ladies over the activity reminded me of what it must have been like for Mill girls working on the looms – although the looms would definitely have been louder than the scissors!
Jessica Moreland, Dovestone WI President, told me: “The homeless are possessive of their cardboard that they sleep on, especially if it’s a prized large piece. Keeping warm is paramount on the streets and cardboard can help. Sadly, in the rain, the cardboard perishes and falls apart.
“The plastic sleeping mats will give a layer between the pavement and the cardboard, acting as an insulating layer as well as a sort of waterproofing. The mats can then be easily rolled up during the day for easy moving. “
Dovestone WI meet every first Monday of the month 6.30-9 at the Reclamation Room, Lee Street, Uppermill for Crafts and other creative activities. They also have their regular meetings, with speakers, on the third Tuesday of the month 7.30pm (a change for 2020) at The Royal George in Greenfield. All ladies welcome.
Author: Jude Gidney - Editor
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