CRAFTERS at the Carlbeck Centre, in Lunedale, have been clicking away with their needles to create more than 50 trauma teddies after spying an appeal by police on social media.
Margaret Dent, who runs the weekly crafters club at the centre, explained: “We usually have a charity push each year and in the past we’ve raised money for the Great North Air Ambulance as well as cancer research.
“I saw the appeal online and when I first mentioned it, it was like falling on stony ground.
“However, before we knew it we had boxes full of teddies, bunnies, ducks and cats.”
The ladies meet up each week at the centre, which was renovated eight years ago, to enjoy a natter while swapping tips and materials in various different crafty endeavours.
The craft sessions, which are held on Mondays and Wednesdays, are hugely popular with ladies from as far afield as Middlesbrough regularly attending.
Mrs Dent said: “We all do different things and it’s great as we swap materials and ideas.”
In all, 18 ladies contributed to making the trauma teds, while still continuing their needlecraft.
The colourful toys, which were made using left over wool from other projects, are used as a distraction and to give solace to young patients and victims.
When the Teesdale Mercury called in at the Carlbeck Centre, ladies were enjoying a chat while carrying out a variety of crafts including sock knitting, quilt making, knitting throws and a bit of tatting.
Some of the resulting items will be showcasing their work in a Christmas Craft fair, in November, when they hope to attract a lot of customers looking for quality handcrafted presents.
Mrs Dent added: “We’re open for everyone and do welcome like minded people to come along and join us.”
For more information about the Carlbeck Centre and the timings of the different crafting sessions you can visit their website at carlbeckcentre.org.uk.
