By Julie McLaughlin
A LOCAL group has been recognised for its contributions to the community.
The Ballynahinch Library Knit and Natter Group were finalists for the Human Endeavour award at the Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson’s Civic Awards at the end of February.
The council said the Ballynahinch Library Knit and Natter Group were recognised in this way to mark the group’s ‘dedication both locally and globally’ to helping others.
Irene Murphy, who acts as a coordinator for the Knit and Natter Group, said she and the other group members were pleased to be shortlisted for the award.
“I’m just over the moon,” Irene said.
“It was just a big surprise.”
She said that this was “an honour for the group”.
Irene said that the members wanted to thank local councillor David Lee-Surginor for nominating them. They also wanted to thank the “brilliant” staff at Ballynahinch Library for all of their support in providing the meeting space and for their assistance over the years.
“They go above and beyond,” Irene said.
The group is now in its 14th year of existence. In 2012, Libraries NI started a variety of Knit and Natter groups at local libraries throughout Northern Ireland, including the one in Ballynahinch.
The Ballynahinch one has continued to grow in popularity over the years. The group currently has 21 members, and there is currently a waiting list to join.
“We’re at full capacity,” Irene said. The group meets weekly on Thursdays from 11am to 12.30pm at Ballynahinch Library.
“There is a lot of knitting, crocheting and nattering that goes on every week. Knitting and crocheting is a great hobby, which we all enjoy and the bonus is knowing our items are appreciated by all who receive our aid,” Irene said.
They work on a variety of items that go to various charities and good causes but also enjoy the camaraderie that happens between knitters.
“It’s people coming out to meet together and having an hour and a half of chat,” Irene said. “People benefit from coming to it. They enjoy the companionship and friendship of it.”
Irene said that everything they knit goes to help others. “It all goes to charity,” she said. “I think we’re quite unique in that respect.”
In just the past year, the Ballynahinch Library Knit and Natter Group has created knitted items for donation to neonatal units at Altnagelvin Area Hospital, Craigavon Area Hospital, University Hospital Waterford and the National Maternity Hospital in Dublin.
They also knitted items for Belfast City Mission, Seafarers’ Christian Friend Society, Ukraine, Zambia, Swaziland, Uganda and Newborns Vietnam.
In addition, they created more than 1,000 knitted items for children, including hairbands, small bags and pencil cases to be included in shoeboxes as part of the Samaritan’s Purse shoebox appeal.
“This was an amazing effort, but knowing the joy it brings to a child on opening their box makes it all so worthwhile and encourages us to knit even more,” Irene said.
Including the Samaritan’s Purse items, Ballynahinch Library Knit and Natter Group donated 3,700 knitted and crocheted items in 2025.
Irene said that she wanted to thank the community members who do not attend the Knit and Natter meetings, but donate knitted and crocheted items for the group’s charity efforts throughout the year.
The group has also had success at local agricultural shows. At the Saintfield Show last year, they won the cup and plate in the home industries section and the cup for most points in the craft section.
They also won the reserve champion award in the home industries section at last year’s Castlewellan Show.
The Knit and Natter members also hosted a Big Lunch at the library. The Big Lunch is an annual event in June, where people join together with friends and neighbours in their community for lunch.
Irene said the Ballynahinch Library Knit and Natter Group intends to keep up their weekly meetings during 2026 so they can continue “making a difference to those in need”.
Cllr David Lee-Surginor described the Knit and Natter members as a “remarkable group of individuals”.
He said it was “an absolute joy” to nominate them for one of the district council’s civic awards.
“This group have truly changed lives around the world through their knitwear, all based at Ballynahinch Library,” added the councillor for the Rowallane DEA.
“For 14 years they have met faithfully, giving their time, skill, and kindness, without ever asking for anything in return. “A huge congratulations and heartfelt thanks to Irene and her incredible knitters.”
