PeerieMakkers Welcomes Fresh Donations and Seeks New Co-ordinator

Fair Isle Day participants at Heritage Spinning and Weaving (Lake Orion, MI/USA)

A donation from the United States and another local business contribution have been welcomed by the organisers of the ShetlandPeerieMakkers programme, which provides hand-knitting lessons for children in primary schools. These come on top of several other private donations and business sponsorships, which will help to secure the programme in the years ahead. However, the project is looking for a new co-ordinator.

ShetlandPeerieMakkers’ lessons are an initiative by the Brough Lodge Trust, which was concerned at the loss of hand-knitting skills. They began five years ago, with a steady increase in the number of schools involved. The Covid-19 pandemic forced a pause, but the volunteer tutors are now able to get back to work. In May this year, activities resumed at Baltasound and Hamnavoe and, by October, it is hoped that tuition will once again be offered in most schools.

Trust Chairman, Pierre Cambillard, says that there has been a high level of support for the project. “Volunteer tutors have come forward from the local community and the response from both businesses and private donors has been really heartening. The programme’s success is now recognised and expectations are high. So, it’s essential that we get back to full operation as soon as possible.”

Support for the programme has come from well beyond Shetland, and notably from across the Atlantic. The latest financial pledge is from Heritage Spinning and Weaving, based in Lake Orion, Michigan.

Pierre Cambillard explains that, “for a second time, they’ve organised a Fair Isle Day in order to raise funds for ShetlandPeerieMakkers. This resulted in donations of a stunning £2,200.”

The firm’s owner, Joan Sheridan wrote that she was “so pleased that we are able to support the future of Fair Isle knitting in this way.”

The latest local business contribution has come from Shetland Gas Plant Community Fundraising. Committee Member Judith Anderson wrote: ”We are delighted to offer a donation of £500 to ShetlandPeerieMakkers in recognition of the great work your charity does to support the local Shetland community.”

However, as Pierre Cambillard explains, the programme requires a new co-ordinator.

“Tracey Hawkins has done an outstanding job but unfortunately her other commitments mean that she won’t be able to devote time to this role in future. The post is currently being advertised on a consultancy basis and we’re now inviting tenders, with a closing date of 31 August.

Pierre Cambillard emphasises that all support for the project is welcome. “If there are other local businesses who would like to be associated with ShetlandPeerieMakkers, they are more than welcome to get in touch. We always acknowledge donations on the Brough Lodge Trust website.”