STITCHING A VILLAGE TOGETHER: Greyton’s Crocheted Christmas Tree An interview with Glenda Lazenby
I f you’ve ever scrolled through Instagram and admired those cosy, handcrafted Christmas trees popping up in European town squares, you’ll understand
with refreshments easily ordered from Pure Café next door. Each year, members also contribute squares for blankets donated to the Red Cross, and non-members are welcome to take part. That spirit of openness is exactly why the crocheted Christmas tree is a village-wide invitation. “A two-metre tree is a big proj- ect,” says Glenda. “By opening it to the whole village - residents, visitors, and schoolchildren - we create excitement, pride, and a sense of shared ownership. It’s also a lovely bonus for tourism.” Those keen to contribute can knit or crochet 14 cm x 14 cm squares in Christmas themed colours. Crocheted squares should be made with a 4 mm hook using double-knit synthetic charity wool, chosen to withstand the elements (no shrinkage). Squares can be dropped off at Ribbons and Roses (now Shop No. 2, corner of the Greyt Oak Centre) anytime between now and the end of October 2026. Both children and adults, Glenda believes, will gain more than just craft skills. “There’s pride in seeing something you helped create. Making blankets for others teaches community care, and families can learn together - or enlist YouTube’s help,” she laughs. Extra squares won’t go to waste; any surplus will become blankets for the Red Cross. And the tree itself? It’s here to stay. “We decided to keep it for future years, raising funds again and again,” says Glen- da. “Maybe we’ll add lights, decorations, even baby trees around town. Who knows? It could become a new Greyton institution.” One stitch at a time, it already is.
the spark behind Greyton’s newest festive idea. “Many crafters have seen them
online,” says Glenda, “but it was actually Gay Meyer, one of our amazing group members, who suggest- ed it. We all immedi- ately thought it was a wonderful idea.” The project has grown out
of the knitting and crochet group connected to Ribbons and Roses in the Greyt Oak Centre. Owner René Pienaar started the group in January 2024 after locals repeatedly asked if there was anywhere they could knit together. “The shop began as an antiques and vin- tage space,” Glenda explains, “but when René expanded into wool and haberdashery, the group naturally followed.” The group meets every Tuesday morning at 10:30, with no join- ing fee, no age limit, and no skill level required - just availability on a Tuesday and a sense of humour. Knitters and crocheters gather to share skills, swap advice, and enjoy plenty of laughter,
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MARCH/APRIL 2026
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