Knitted with love... a huge Christmas tree, thanks to kind-hearted Grotton group

A caring councillor has turned a novel idea into a warm-hearted appeal to support Oldham foodbank.

Alicia Marland spearheaded a dedicated group of Grotton-based knitters and crocheters into creating a large colourful Christmas tree, lovingly fashioned from yarn.

Councillor Marland runs the group, Shhh I'm Counting, with her daughter, Honey, who is focussed on learning the craft.

More than 20 industrious team members created over 600 granny squares to make the tree, which stands in pride of place at Saddleworth Museum on Uppermill High Street.

Councillor Marland said: "The group has been fortunate to receive many donations of wool from residents across Oldham and Saddleworth, and much of this has been used to create the tree along with baubles and wooly Christmas decorations.  

"The squares were created by October to allow time for them to be sewn together. 

“One member volunteered her husband to create the tree frame, which was constructed from wood and chicken wire.

"We were very grateful for his support.

“Each square was sewn together to form large squares and once the frame had been erected in the museum window - it was easy to tie each one to the internal wire.”

She thanked museum curator, Peter Fox, and the staff at Saddleworth Museum for permission to use the location, and added: “The cost of the actual tree materials was funded by a micro grant from Action Together Oldham - a huge thanks for their support.

“The aim of the tree is to bring some Christmas cheer to passers-by, but also to raise awareness of the Oldham Foodbank charity.  

“We ask that if you like the tree, please consider contributing to this charity by providing a food donation to a supermarket collection cage, volunteer a few hours a week to help at the depot or make a financial donation by clicking here

The tree will remain at the museum until after New Year and then will be stored a until next November when the group plan to reuse all the squares and frame to replicate another visual masterpiece in another prominent location in the area.

The group meet on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month at the Pavilion on Station Road in Grotton. 

If anyone would like to learn to knit or crochet then one of the group will be happy to help.

For more details, contact Alicia Marland on 07766 107437.

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