Norwich gets knitting in giant pink peace scarf campaign

Norwich Evening News: Wool Against Weapons at Norwich City Hall. Credit: Jeremy HaywoodWool Against Weapons at Norwich City Hall. Credit: Jeremy Haywood (Image: Archant)

The 'Peace Scarf', measuring 262 feet, was the result of the Norwich KnitIN event organised by shop owner Roberta Pumer.

The event, which encouraged people to knit pink scarves, is East Anglia's contribution to Wool Against Weapons Human Peace Scarf campaign.

After the event, which will see a seven-mile long scarf stretched between Aldermaston and Burghfield at the weekend, the scarves will be recycled into blankets.

'It is also not just a case of the wool being dumped after use,' said Roberta.

'It will be turned into blankets and given to the homeless, so it will be used for a good purpose.

'The people of Norwich were very touched that the blankets would help other people.'

Around 12 people were involved on the day, knitting at Roberta's shop and at home, bringing their contribution along or donating wool.

Roberta said: 'Peace scarf is a statement for peace, cooperation, care and responsibility rather than rebellion and violence. It is positive.

'We don't want the government to be spending another 100 billion on Trident when something like the NHS could really use the money.'

She said KnitIn was popular among the people of Norwich, with the scarf displayed outside City Hall.

'All kinds of people came up and asked about the scarf and what we were doing,' she said.

'People were very interested in it and were supportive. Some didn't know what we were doing it for, they didn't know about the plans for Trident.'

For more information, visit woolagainstweapons.co.uk

Are you taking part in a national event? Email locallife@archant.co.uk