Yarn bomber brightens up village with colourful displays

A PHANTOM yarn bomber has been brightening up Pilley during the pandemic by decorating the village with crocheted figures including a magnificent tribute to Captain Sir Tom Moore.

The tribute to Sir Tom – who died in February after raising over £32m for the NHS – features him standing under a rainbow with his slogan, “Tomorrow will be a good day”, surrounded by a ring of bright yellow daffodils.

It appeared on the village post box following Sir Tom’s death at the age of 100.

Other creations have paid tribute to the NHS, along with hearts, flowers, bumblebees, and rainbows. They have sprung up around the village since the first lockdown.

The yarn bomber, who does not want to be identified, told the A&T: “Captain Tom's message of hope, his amazing fundraising, as well as the humbleness touched people's hearts and we all felt loss when he passed away. I wanted to do something to commemorate him.”

The yarn bomber said she started making them to “try and bring a small bit of joy and light to people during what was a quite a dark, scary period of time”.

She was “delighted” by the reaction, saying: “People seem to like them and I definitely enjoy making them, so it’s carried on from there.

“Some of the yarn bombs were also to show support for our amazing NHS and keyworkers who have worked so hard during the pandemic.”

After making her creations she sneaks out at dusk to put them out and says she has been spotted a few times.

She added: “I think word has gradually spread around the village about who is creating them. However, I make them to bring a little bit of happiness and would feel a bit bashful about it if everyone knew I was the ‘knitting lady’.”

She is now urging other people to take up crochet or knitting, saying: “There are plenty of online tutorials and a huge online community who will provide help and support.

"I think we have all become aware of how important our mental health is during the lockdowns. I know crafting and, hopefully, bringing joy to other people has helped me keep positive during the last year.

“It has also been amazing watching the community of Pilley support each other, especially Pilley community shop.”