It’s the end of an era for Manea Craft Club which will meet for the last time this Friday.

Cambs Times: Elsie Lawrence with knit and natter group at Manea Methodist ChapelElsie Lawrence with knit and natter group at Manea Methodist Chapel (Image: Archant)

The Knit and Knatter Club was launched by enterprising villager Elsie Lawrence as a way to raise funds for Manea Methodist Chapel.

Since its launch in May 2011 it has not only undergone a name change to become the Manea Craft Club it has raised £1,000s for chapel funds.

But Elsie has decided that at the age of 83 it is time to call it a day, and with no new volunteers coming forward to keep it going at the chapel on Friday mornings, today’s meeting is the last.

Elsie said: “Originally we wanted new ways to raise funds for the chapel so I went to visit a club in Wisbech and the next week I launched the Manea Knit and Knatter.

“Not everyone who comes is a member of the chapel, most of them are just friends who like to get together for a chat and a cup of coffee once a week. We changed the name because we do all kinds of crafts including crochet, patchwork and sewing. Over the years we have made scarves and hats for children overseas as well as blankets for stillborn born and premature babies.

“We have held knitting marathons and raised money for things like redecorating the chapel, new fencing and timers for the radiators.”