Thanks to the National Lottery players and the Local Connections fund, Hand In Hand Activities CIC is able to pilot 2 exciting new projects in Stockton on Tees. Starting in August, we will be hosting a weekly knit and natter-style group called Nimble Fingers Needlework, designed to bring together people who have an interest in craft activities such as knitting, crochet, sewing, embroidery, etc. We welcome complete novices to expert needleworkers to share their enthusiasm for crafting, and general chit-chat, over tea* and biscuits.
We are also able to offer a fortnightly book club, Books & Bakes, where we will not only be reading and discussing a variety of books but will also be welcoming local authors to talk about their books, writing, inspiration, themselves! This is all while enjoying tea* and cake.
Alison Watson-Shields, Director at Hand In Hand Activities CIC said, “I was delighted when we received confirmation of this short-term funding from the National Lottery Local Connections Fund to pilot these two new projects. Discussions of a book club have been taking place for a while at our Stepping On Social chair-supported exercise class and there had been quite a lot of interest at the virtual Zumba Gold class too. Our online consultation survey provided great feedback on what people wanted, when they wanted and what books they wanted to read. It is always scary when launching something new but the amount of public engagement was reassuring that we were definitely taking a step in the right direction. As an avid reader myself, I am looking forward to reading the shortlisted books and taking part in the discussions as well as hearing from local authors – what a great way to showcase the many talents on Teesside.”
The meetings take place at The Institute, Grays Road, Grangefield, TS18 4LN on a Monday afternoon, Nimble Fingers meeting weekly from 1pm until 2:30pm followed by the fortnightly meetings of Books & Bakes from 2:30pm until 4pm.
*A variety of hot drinks and refreshments are available at our activities.
