What began as a simple request in June 2024 for a local resident to demonstrate crochet has grown into a vibrant weekly gathering, highlighting the strong and enduring community spirit in Benarty.
Initially intended as a one-off demonstration, the group has steadily expanded over the past three years, evolving to include knitting and needlepoint alongside crochet. These traditional crafts, once commonly passed down through generations, have seen a decline in recent years due to advances in technology. However, members of the Benarty group are passionate about keeping these creative skills alive and are committed to sharing their knowledge with others.
Today, the Crochet Club attracts more than 20 enthusiastic participants every Friday morning from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at BRAG’s headquarters in Crosshill. The sessions are informal and welcoming, with no official tutor present. Instead, experienced members take pride in offering guidance and encouragement to beginners, creating an inclusive environment where everyone can learn at their own pace.
The club operates in partnership with BRAG’s Food4Thought programme, which ensures that free materials are available to anyone wishing to take part. This support removes barriers and opens the door for more people in the community to learn new skills, meet others, and enjoy the therapeutic benefits of crafting.
The social aspect of this group is vital to some, there are a few members who do not craft at all and just come along for a wee blether with the friends they have made at the club, Several of the ladies even have a group chat that they use to communicate out with the club, and they arrange days out to Reject’s and Country Fabrics to get supplies for their next project.
One member of the group learnt how to spin her own wool and brought the loom into the club to show everyone then used the wool to make a child’s cardigan, this is just one example of how the group shares skills and learn together.
Although members often work on individual projects, the group regularly comes together to support the wider community. Previous initiatives include creating sensory toys for a local primary school and crafting two poppy wreaths in 2025. One wreath was donated to Benore Care Home, while the other was laid at the Benarty War Memorial during the Remembrance Day ceremony. The group also contributes handmade items for raffles, helping to raise funds for BRAG’s Pantry.
Alongside the crochet club, BRAG’s “Full House Friday” takes place at the Pantry, offering £1 hot breakfast rolls, free tea and coffee, and £1 bingo sessions in the afternoon — creating a lively and inclusive atmosphere for all.
Everyone is welcome on a Friday however if crochet is not for you, we do have various clubs and activities that Food4Thought run throughout the year, if you would like more information, please contact Ann Moodie on [email protected] or call us on 01592 860296 for more information.
To see more examples of the work produced by the crochet club please check out our BRAG Crosshill Facebook page where we will be sharing more over the course of the week.