A SPLASH of colour and more has been added to Henley High Street thanks to a community ‘yarn bombing’ campaign.
The people of Henley in Arden first started yarn bombing theits trees down the High Street in 2016 when Annie Davies was trying to use up some of her store of brightly coloured yarns.
A few people joined her in decorating the holly tree growing almost out of the wall of St John’s Church which caused so much interest that the following year Annie developed it further calling it ‘Adopt a Tree’.
The name came about as the trees along the High Street are all different sizes with many lumps and bumps and needed careful measurement so the decoration would fit.
This year has taken on a completely different look when local resident Melanie Suthons-Hart contacted Annie to say she wanted to be involved.
From that point on, Mel has worked on at least six trees and together with Annie made a series of videos teaching people how to crochet, challenging them to join in crocheting for the trees.
“Along the length of the High street there are not only have all the wonderful designs Mel has created but a special nativity scene with a star that lights up at night set on the original tree at St John Church created by Ruth and Malcolm Aldridge,” said Annie.
“There’s also a fantastically intricate tree thanking key workers made by Susan Holmes and her family and neighbour Helen.
“And there’s a beautifully decorated tree with bees flowers and spiders webs created by a new resident Sheran Van Der Merwe.
“In addition we also have ‘bollard bombs’ created by Susie Smythe whose sense of humour shines through her many designs which can be found around the shops and again at the North end of town.
“So Henley has a lot to offer those looking for an interesting walk or drive through over this strange time that we are in, with the decorations remaining up until Twelfth Night.”
