Weaving friendships with the Tramore Library Knitters
Veronica Davis on behalf of the Tramore Library Knitting Group, presented a cheque for €1,000 to Paul Halley, who accepted on behalf of the RNLI Fundraisers, Tramore & Waterford. Photo: Joe Evans
In Tramore Library, a group of passionate knitters made up of both seasoned experts and those learning the craft for the first time, have been building friendships during their weekly weave for over ten years.
Members from the group of around 20 knitters reflected this week on the vital role that their weekly gatherings play in their lives.
Part of the group since the beginning, Joan Healy said that members exchange ideas and are constantly sharing tips and tricks on new methods or styles.
“If you’re stuck on a pattern, you’ll bring it in and someone will be here to help you with it. Different people have different skills, and we are made up of experts and beginners. So it’s great for sharing patterns and ideas with everyone and learning new skills."
The weekly meetings however play a role far beyond just knitting, as it serves as a vital social hub for members.
Mary, originally from Galway, moved to Tramore nine years ago.
As a ‘newcomer’ in Waterford, she said that joining the group proved invaluable:
“I was in the library book club in Galway, so I naturally came into the library when I moved here, and on my way out I saw a notice that there was a knitting group. I’m here since and all the better for it.
“It was a great way of getting into the community for me. If I needed a plumber, or an electrician, I could go in and ask the girls about it. It made a huge difference for me. This is my social circle.
“It’s was so helpful because I didn’t know where to start when I moved here, I was walking around and I didn’t even know the names of the streets. So it was brilliant. It was the start of everything.
“You get advice here, and if you’re not in good form you get a laugh. What more would you want?"
Local Tracy, added that the social space that the weekly meet provides is very important for the members:
“Being in a wheelchair, it’s very hard for me to find things to do and places to go, so about nine years ago I was told by a friend about the knitting club, and I never looked back.
“I met beautiful people along the way and we’re all great company and great friends now. I really look forward to it every week. I come more for the social side and the cup of tea! It’s a lovely group.
Another member, Marie added: “We would never have crossed paths before if it wasn’t for this, and I love coming down on a Friday to have a chat with everyone.”
The skill of knitting has of course changed across the generations, and what was once a necessity in households, now mainly serves as a pastime as opposed to a domestic must:
“Nowadays it’s a hobby, but when we did it when we were young, it was out of necessity because you could knit a jumper cheaper than you could buy it,” Joan said. "Sewing was the same, if you wanted to dress nice you got a sewing machine and material and you made something."
The group say however that the popularity of knitting and crocheting is rising, particularly amongst younger people as they have access to resources and guides on the internet.
Recently, the knitters raised €2,000 for the Tramore and Waterford Arch Club and for the RNLI.
During a cheque exchange recently, Paul Halley accepted on behalf of the Tramore RNLI Fundraising Team, whilst Marie Cullen accepted on behalf of the Arch Club.
The group of knitters contribute €2 each every time they meet, which is donated every year. They also host a sale of their knitted goods in December where proceeds are donated.
Expressing their thanks to the staff at Tramore Library where the group meet every week, the members said: “The library staff are terrific and they accommodate us so well. They provide us with a lovely space, tea and coffee and they help us with whatever we need. They’re very helpful."
