Knit & Natter has been a popular choice on Potters’ daily activity programme for the last year. But there’s more to it than meets the eye.
If nothing else, Knit & Natter has been a chance to get crafty and enjoy a chat with like-minded guests. With materials and equipment provided, whether you’re a novice with the needles or a highly qualified quilter, it’s proven to be a winner. But every stitch has also served an important purpose, so we caught up with Group Activities Coordinator, Ian Wall, for a cuppa and… well, a natter, to find out more.
“We wanted to create something that was both fun, and would make a difference in our local communities. We’re always developing new crafts led by the team, but this was something we could also let more experienced guests get on with at any point in their break.
“We set up cosy areas at both Hopton-on-Sea and Five Lakes, and through the Potters Friends Foundation [a community interest company set up in 2014 in memory of Brian Potter MBE] we got in touch with local services who we thought would benefit from what was being created.”
Those conversations and the amazing efforts of guests led to Ian making a very special trip recently, to the Neonatal Unit at James Paget University Hospital.
“For almost a year, guests at Hopton-on-Sea have been creating baby bonding squares. These are used to help mothers and babies bond when they can’t be in physical contact. This happens typically under difficult circumstances where a baby needs special care.
“The squares are knitted in pairs, with one placed near the baby and the other worn by the mother. As their scents transfer to the bonding squares, they are swapped every 12 hours, or as the mother visits. The mother and baby can then smell each other.
“Thanks to the amazing efforts of our guests taking part in Knit & Natter, we’ve been able to donate over 1200 pairs of bonding squares to the hospital, helping hundreds of anxious mothers to bond with their babies. In fact, so many have been made, that they’re also heading to the Norfolk & Norwich Hospital too!”
As well as the local community, that donation has hit home with a member of the Hopton-on-Sea Entertainment Team. Faye, who gave birth to a beautiful baby boy, Reggie, had to spend time themselves in the Neonatal Unit.
And she said: “While we were in hospital, they gave us the bonding squares that guests have been making. They make such a difference when you’re in that desperate situation and unable to hold or have your baby with you.”
Thankfully, Reggie is doing great after his stay in the Neonatal Unit, and Faye and her husband Tom are enjoying their quality time together with him at home.
Faye and Reggie are doing well following their visit to the Neonatal UnitMeanwhile at Five Lakes, Programme & Entertainment Manager Jemma Hampton has been overseeing the initiative in Essex.
“The response has been amazing. Guests have been creating hundreds of scarves and blankets which will soon be donated to those in our community that are in need of some added warmth this winter.”
Guests at Five Lakes have been knitting scarves and blanketsAnd not content with only supporting this amazing initiative on resort, many guests have continued the good work at home!
Ian says: “The support for Knit & Natter has been tremendous. I’ve even had guests bringing me their creations with them on their next visits to Five Lakes and Hopton-on-Sea.
“We hope you’ve had fun with it, and met lots of new friends along the way too. We’re already looking at our next project so keep an eye out for news on each resort.”
To discover a huge choice of fun activities and new experiences at Potters, simply click here.
