Craft loving residents of an extra care home in Exeter have been getting creative to welcome the Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 coming to the city.
Four ladies living at Edwards Court in Exeter – an extra Care independent Living scheme - worked their magic to knit and crochet metres of bunting, bunches of red roses and even some rugby balls.
Supported by Radis Community Care Activities Coordinator, Barbara Beames, the team of experienced knitters and crocheters have handmade the rugby-themed items which will be used to decorate Exeter’s historic Guildhall as part of a yarn art display on Wednesday 27 August.
The display at the Guildhall and Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery will celebrate the global sporting event coming to the city and is part of the nationwide Red Roses Yarn Art initiative from England Rugby. Sandy Park will host seven games, including two quarter-finals.
Before donating their work, the group created a window display near their on-site restaurant and hung the bunting in communal areas for the other residents to enjoy.
Barbara said: “We regularly organise arts and crafts activities for the residents – we have communal hobby spaces on-site – and when I asked the residents if they would like to take part in the Yarn Art project they were keen to get involved. They like to see women succeeding and so the Women’s Rugby World Cup is particularly important for them.
“Arts and crafts help the residents come together as a community and is a social activity as well as a creative one, providing an opportunity to meet, make new friends and support each other as well as giving an outlet for their talents.”
As a thank you for their hard work, Barbara and the crafting residents have been invited to the Lord Mayor’s reception at the Guildhall, where they will have the opportunity to see their beautifully crafted knitted and crocheted creations proudly displayed on the walls.
Edwards Court is a partnership between Exeter City Council, Devon County Council and leading care provider Radis Community Care.
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