Every Monday afternoon the Cliffsend Village Hall is abuzz with creativity.
From knitted and crocheted soldiers, pumpkins, lollies and a whole array of objects destined as postbox toppers to carefully details watercolour paintings and crafted cards – the Cliffsend Arts and Crafts Group covers it all.
Maureen Aslett has been a member of the group for around eight years but says it has actually been running for some four decades.
Currently there are around 11 core members and the group is hoping to attract more people, from parents and children to more men as currently crafters are predominately female.
Prior to the covid pandemic membership was higher but two years of being unable to meet means the group now needs to rebuild.
Maureen said: “The arts group started here nearly 40 years ago and then about five years ago the craft ladies wanted to do knitting and crocheting so the two groups amalgamated.
“We have put a notice outside for people to pop along and join us. There is no subscription, it is just £2 for any session you come to and people also have a cuppa and biscuits.
“I like to come because I get a few hours to myself painting, as well as the chat, because if I am at home there is always another thing that needs doing.
“We were closed during the pandemic so it was good to come back and see everyone when we opened again and now we just have to get the membership up again.”
On the knit/crochet table the ladies are busy making pumpkins and all things harvest for the next batch of postbox toppers. They recently gathered to make knitted tributes to Queen Elizabeth II on her passing. The group had also made royal-themed toppers for the Platinum Jubilee and received a card of thanks from the Queen which poignantly arrived on the day of her state funeral.
Member Liz Langston said: “We are often knitting by season, although doing it for the Queen’s funeral was all a bit last minute.”
Fellow knitter Ann Townsend added: “We did a little tribute to Captain Tom when he died and for his funeral, It just depends on what is going on in the news.
“Then we have the seasons, Christmas, Easter and in the summer we do some for the kids, we even did ice creams and lollies. Now we are making for the harvest.”
Crafters, including 96-year-old Christine (pictured above) who makes cards, often sell their creations at village hall coffee mornings to boost the group’s coffers for materials and costs.
Everyone is welcome to join, just pop in at Cliffsend Village Hall in Foads Lane, on Mondays between 2pm and 4pm.
