The group first met at Newington Court in Ticehurst. It offered a friendly space to sit together with a cup of tea, knit for charity, and enjoy a good chat. When news came that Newington Court would close, some members moved away and others moved to nearby Woodroffe Court.
Keen to keep the group going, residents spoke to their scheme housing officer, who quickly helped secure a new meeting spot in the Woodroffe Court conservatory. With that, the Knit and Natter group had a new home.
Weekly sessions now run every Tuesday morning, and as the word spread, numbers increased too.
The group knits blankets, toys, neck warmers and other small items. Everything they create supports good causes. Much of it is sold in local hospice shops and Oxfam, while blankets have travelled as far as Africa. Others are donated to care homes and hospitals closer to home.
Alongside the knitting and keeping busy, the group gives residents a welcome chance to connect, reducing loneliness and helping to provide a sense of belonging. The Knit and Natter group is a real success story, friendships have blossomed, and twice a year the group celebrates with a shared lunch.