MAXINE GORDON drops in on a York knitting group who have found a crafty way to raise cash for a good cause

ON Tuesday mornings 97-year-old Betty Precious climbs aboard her mobility scooter and heads off for a date with her friends.

Joining her on her travels is neighbour and fellow buggy user, Jeannette Sorrell, aged 75.

They park outside the St Leonard's Hospice furniture shop at Heworth Village and meet other women who have all come to "knit and natter".

There are 16 members of HANK - the Heworth Amazing Nattering Knitters - who take over the shop on Tuesdays from 9am-11am.

They sit on sofas, around dining tables, in arm chairs and perch on table tops (all of which are for sale) and knit, sew and crochet goods to sell on behalf of the hospice, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.

They are especially busy just now - they are attending the British Wool Show at Murton on Saturday, where they will be selling hand-made baby clothes, knitted toys and jewellery, scarves, snoods and gloves. Other hectic times are around Easter and Christmas when they stage sales to boost St Leonard's coffers.

Sally Hoskins and Ann Thornill are founder members, and have been nattering over their knitting for three years.

The group was set up by shop manager Maria Aebi after a generous donor dropped off bags of wool and lots of knitting patterns. "When we started, I thought we'd get three or four people and it would last for a couple of months," she said.

Today, the group is full - there is not a spare seat when I call in for a natter - and it's obvious it is as much a social gathering as a charitable one.

Take Pam Mills, who suffers from ME and is brought to the group each week by her carers. Pam was taught to knit by her mum as a child and went on to make clothes for her own children and grandchildren. For her son's wedding this summer, she made all the bridesmaids' dresses as well as the cake and bouquets. She says it has been exhausting, but her way of contributing to the wedding. ME affects her mobility, so getting out to the group is a lifeline. "I have made a lot of new friends and they accept me. I lot of friends I had before ME don't get that you are not well as I don't always look as bad as I feel. With this lot, they accept me for who I am."

York Press:

FOR SALE: Items such as knitted hearts, flowers and broaches have been made by Isabel Clayton in aid of St Leonard's Hospice

The gang all share their skills too. Pam is a keen felter and has taught the others how to make oversized flower broaches - hosting a workshop at the store.

Even nonagenarian Betty is learning new tricks. She learned to knit as a child but admits to never being very accomplished. "We used to knit dishcloths," she says. Today, she is finishing a sock, knitting in the round, with a helping hand from fellow HANK member Betty Arksey, 79.

Olive Wood is the most prolific of them all. She once worked professionally, turning out knitted garments on a machine for a boutique in Leeds. Now she does a mix of machine and hand knitting. She has made some toys too - including a sheep holding some knitting needles - which she has entered into a competition at the Wool Show. Today, she has brought her blue and yellow wool to make some more Minions hats, which she hopes will be popular with children.

Olive is also the force behind a batch of "twiddle muffs" designed for people with dementia. Each muff contains some beads inside as well as small items on the top such as buttons and charms. "The idea is people might twiddle these things and it might help them remember," says Olive, who admits knitting is addictive. "I like to do it while I watch TV and catch up on programmes I have taped. If you use wooden needles it is a lot quieter," she advises.

Group members tend to supply their own wool, but would welcome any donations via the charity shop.

June Cariss is busy crafting a square using a loopy technique which is going to be a tea cosy in the shape of a sheep. Like the others, knitting has become a way of life. She says: "I knit everyday. I find it soothing. It relieves tension and I get lost in it all."

The British Wool Show is being held at York Auction Mart, Murton, York on August 7 and 8. Tickets cost £6 adults/£5 concession/£3 child. More information from BritishWool.net

If you would like to donate furniture to the hospice shop contact Maria on 01904 438191. If you would like to arrange the furniture to be picked up, telephone 01904 788777.