Norfolk churches invited to knit with pride
A Christian artist from Norwich has gathered hundreds of knitters from all walks of life to join together to donate squares towards a giant scarf to be displayed at this year's Norwich Pride.
Norwich Pride, taking place on 31st July, is a celebration of local lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans life (LGBT). The aim of the event is to ensure that Norwich is a city where everyone feels safe and proud to be themselves. The event will use music, debate, sport, history, arts and entertainment to raise awareness of LGBT issues and to combat the discrimination faced by LGBT people.
Creator of the project, artist Helen Simpson-Slapp, said "The response has been amazing and has bought together people from so many walks of life. I wanted to give the people of Norwich a way of showing their support to the LGBT community by knitting a square.
 "In my art I like to bring together people who might not normally associate. Before Christmas last year I made a sign that hung on a lampost between the pub and the church that pointed in both directions."
A number of churches have come forward to offer space for knitting squares and general encouragement. St Thomas on Earlham Road have offered their church hall for a possible attempt to break the world record for simultaneous knitting.
Helen has written to all the Norwich churches to invite them to support the project.
She said: "Above all, individual Christians have been joining the 'knit in' events where anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or religious preferences, can come and learn to knit and enjoy themselves."
Norwich Pride takes place on July 31 in Norwich city centre. The rainbow scarf will hang from City Hall during the parade.
Click here to join the Knit with Pride facebook group
Contact Helen for more details on helenofnorwich@hotmail.com or tel: 07747 751656
Pictured above: artist Helen Simpson-Slapp with some of the knitted squares.
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