After the Beckingham and Saundby Poppy Group successfully reached their poppy target of 8,000 last year, some members found themselves at a loose end (so to speak!).
An opportunity arose to knit baby bonding squares and bonnets for the premature baby unit at Lincoln County Hospital. These appreciated items provide support for parents and babies. The bonding squares are placed with the baby and new mother to sleep with, and are swapped every four hours.
This helps to pass the scent of both mother and baby – hence the name ‘bonding squares’. The practice has been so successful that it now includes dads as well.
The group has been knitting these squares and bonnets since before Christmas, and once a month, a box containing 20 bundles (four squares and a bonnet each) is handed over to the hospital. One remarkable lady involved is Vera Shaw, who, at 102 years old, resides at Southmoor Lodge Care Home in Walkeringham. Vera has knitted over 200 squares and is a true champion!
The group plans to restart their poppy knitting and crocheting in February, setting a much lower target this year. They also intend to continue knitting the bonding squares and handing over a box each month to Lincoln County Hospital.