This week, the PR Team has been joined by work experience student Sam Pearson, who has been getting an insight into all aspects of The Donkey Sanctuary's work. Yesterday, he went along to one of our newer events - Knit and Natter. This is what he had to say about his experience:
Whether you’re a novice knitter, or a professional needle clicker, The Donkey Sanctuary’s ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions are bound to have something that’s perfect for you.
As a complete and utter novice to the knitting world, and the work experience student here in the PR department at the Sidmouth centre, I was forcibly encouraged to go and turn my hand to a piece of knitting (and nattering of course). Surprisingly, what I found as I entered the events barn was a rather different scene to the one I had imagined; a mix of staff and visitors, all quite clearly shaking off the knitting stereotype that had crossed my mind when I was informed of my task for the day.
With needles thrust in my hand and a ball of wool perched upon my lap, after the lovely offer of a drink, I was soon being taught the, as it turned out, incredibly difficult craft of knitting. To begin with everything seemed to get into somewhat of a muddle and I was left with what appeared to be a big woollen mess with two large needles protruding from within. Nevertheless, with quite a lot more guidance and persistence, I began to get the hang of it.
While concentrating on my newly learnt skill, I had chance to listen to the ‘natter’ element of the event. Although not joining in too much of the conversation myself (I was truly engrossed in the knitting), it was quite apparent that the others around me all had one very strong bond; their passion for donkeys. In between discussions about knitting, with phrases I had never heard before such as ‘Purl stitch’ and ‘Cables’, the group members discussed The Donkey Sanctuary’s residents as though they were their own pets.
After an hour sat fumbling around with wool and needles, I don’t think I’ll be taking up knitting as a hobby, but I would strongly encourage anyone who does enjoy it to go along. Also, if you are interested in knitting, but don’t really know where to start, the ‘Knit and Natter’ sessions are a fantastic place to learn and develop the skill.
The next ‘Knit and Natter’ event will be held on the 19th of September, in Box 16; the events barn here at the Sanctuary in Devon.
