Knitting needles have been hard at work across Badshot Lea and Hale as the parish’s first ever ‘Knitivity’ set takes shape ready for Advent.

Mary and Joseph, kings, shepherds and a multitude of sheep are being created for the knitted Nativity set which will tour homes, offices, schools and shops in the run up to Christmas.

The creative project is being coordinated by a member of St George’s Church, Badshot Lea, Kris Lawrence, who is appealing for both knitters and hosts to step forward and make the Knitivity a truly community-based project.

She explained: “Knitivity is all about the journey as we move through Advent towards the celebration of Jesus’ birth.

“Our knitted Mary, Joseph, donkey and other characters will begin their journey from St George’s Church on Advent Sunday – 29th November at 10am. From there they will travel around the parish, staying in a different home each night during Advent, and at each home one of the sheep will be left.

“We hope that during the day they will turn up in some of the more public places within the parish, such as shops, schools and offices. We will chart their journey with pictures on our Facebook page so that everyone can be part of the journey and prepare for Christmas with us.

“Finally, all the sheep will be re-united at the Christmas Day services in church – 9.30am at St John’s, 10am at St George’s and 11am at St Mark’s.

“We would love to hear from any hosts or keen knitters. We will be knitting throughout October and November and everyone is welcome to join in.”

The Revd Lesley Crawley, a priest in the parish, explained: “I hope we will have great fun with Knitivity this Advent. It’s a wonderful way of binding us together as a community as we reflect on the real meaning of Christmas and share hospitality with one another in our homes.”

If you would like to be involved, either by knitting or hosting the Knitivity set then contact Kris on 01252 327832/07876 204665 krislawr@aol.com