By Isle of Wight Observer
Members of the Shanklin community have created Blankets of Love to be displayed along the carnival procession route, at St Paul’s Church, the Methodist Church and the United Reform Church.
The colourful collection of patchworks was carefully crafted by Shanklin Crafternooners and Community Knitters, made from left-over yarn from other projects. The theme for the project was the 200th anniversary of poet John Keats residence in the town. The Love Blankets were unveiled by Shanklin Mayor, Cllr Steve Knight.
Project coordinator, Karl Stedman, said: “The blankets celebrate the members of our community who give their time to make our town such a special place, from those who volunteer in the library, theatre, for Green Towns and charity shops to those who work and support projects for local, national and international charities, and those who contribute less formally: the good neighbours who support others in the community. “Together, these people are the glue which holds this town together.”
Shanklin Mayor, Steve Knight, said: “Carnival is a highlight of Shanklin’s Summer, and this innovative initiative will add to the colour of the occasion.”
