Knitted Tour of Britain bunting to help fund new cycle hub

Knitting nannies who had their own special part in the Tour of Britain’s visit could see their work fund a brand new cycle hub in the borough.
Knitting cycle jersey bunting at Florence Longman House, Apsley. From left Polly Ling, Vera Bullock, Shelagh Martin and Pat PowKnitting cycle jersey bunting at Florence Longman House, Apsley. From left Polly Ling, Vera Bullock, Shelagh Martin and Pat Pow
Knitting cycle jersey bunting at Florence Longman House, Apsley. From left Polly Ling, Vera Bullock, Shelagh Martin and Pat Pow

The knitted jersey bunting which decorated the finishing line of the sixth stage in Hemel Hempstead has gone up for sale to raise money to create the new sporting facility.

Dacorum Borough Council is selling the 600 miniature jerseys which were made by talented knitters including residents from council-run sheltered housing schemes and members of Age UK.

Among the gang of gifted grandmas were Polly Ling, Vera Bullock, Shelagh Martin and Pat Pow from Apsley’s Florence Longman House.

The ladies are far from novice knitters, as they’ve helped create thousands of mini hats for the Innocent Smoothies ‘Big Knit’ campaign for Age UK in previous years and are already well on their way for this year’s campaign.

Neighbourhood Action Officer Joanne Kohler said: “We would like to say a big thank you to everyone who got their needles clicking and knitted so many jumpers.

“The bunting was a lovely sight at the finishing line and was seen on the TV. We said we would sell the bunting after the race to put towards a local cycle hub, currently in the development stage.

“This will help to encourage young people, families and groups of all ages to try cycling.

“The cycle hub will be somewhere where people can learn about their bikes, how to take care of and maintain them and somewhere where organised cycle rides will be promoted to all ages.”

Individual jerseys cost £2 and a row of six jerseys are £12. Call Joanne Kohler at Dacorum Borough Council on 01442 228474 or email [email protected] for more information.