Knitters and weavers have been hard at work to bring the brand-new Woolly Sheep Trail herd to life for the first time in Skipton.
The Woolly Sheep Trail, set to launch in Skipton on July 3rd, will bring a fresh experience for local people and visitors in the town centre.
The trail will run up until Yarndale on September 27th, the festival of yarn and woolly creativity.
Volunteer knitters recruited by Skipton-based Spinning Jenny have been crocheting, weaving and knitting away for over 6 months to create more than 20 different sheep models.
Each of the sheep have been designed around a unique local business, where they will be situated over the course of the Woolly Sheep Trail.
They will be on display for people to see on Sheep Day at the Canal Basin (June 28th), located next to the Spirit of Endeavor just before the trail begins.
Stephanie Haithwaite, of Spinning Jenny and one of the volunteers involved in the creation of the woolly sheep models, said:
“Spinning Jenny have been absolutely delighted to be involved in this project to support Skipton BID and other shops in town.
“Volunteers and staff have put in over 800 hours of knitting, crocheting and sewing to produce the sheep and are really looking forward to seeing them on display.
“We’re also very grateful to Skipton's own King Cole, who donated much of the wool used in producing the sheep.”
Families and their children can take part in the trail over the summer by picking up the designed leaflet sheets and map from Craven Court and venturing around town to discover the names of all of the different sheep.
The Sheep Trail leaflet will also include a ‘passport’ with stamps that can be collected from the majority of the businesses for the woolly figure they are hosting.
Skipton BID has supported the production of the Woolly Sheep Trail by funding the design of the maps and trail sheet.
BID Manager, Sarah Howsen, said:
“We’re proud to have been a part of bringing this brilliant, innovative idea to life for Skipton.
“The volunteers have worked so hard over the course of this year to craft and shape the models – and I can assure you that they all look absolutely amazing!
“We’re confident that this fresh concept will help to bring both new and returning visitors into our town centre.
“Skipton is renowned as ‘Sheep Town’, so what better way to celebrate than a sheep-themed trail”
Completed entries of the Woolly Sheep Trail can be submitted at the collection point in Craven Court, and a winner will be chosen at random to receive a Skipton-themed prize package.
Once the trail has ended in September, each of the sheep models will then be auctioned off to raise money for the Spirit of Endeavour charity which has spent almost half a century providing accessible canal trips around Skipton.
Crewed entirely by volunteers, Spirit of Endeavour takes over 1,000 of those who might otherwise never be able to access it onto the canal every year.
“By participating in the auction, you’re not just acquiring remarkable unique handmade items, you’re also making a meaningful difference in the lives of those the charity works with,” Stephanie Haithwaite added.
To read more about the Spirit of Endeavour charity, click here to visit their website.
You can also read more about the Woolly Sheep Trail on the Welcome to Skipton website here.
Skipton Gala announce cancellation of fireworks due to rising costs
Former Lioness travels through Silsden and Addingham as part of Comic Relief challenge
Firm, fair and friendly policing for 'odd' World Cup
Skipton MP meets with North Yorkshire Police Over Dales Traffic and Anti-Social Behaviour Concerns
Family pay tribute to 'kind and caring' teen who died near Burnsall
Trees could get greater protection under new council policy
Skipton MP speaks in Parliament on water safety following death of 13 year old girl
Councillors to discuss new plan to strengthen action on anti-social behaviour
Housing target could be the "death of villages" in North Yorkshire, councillor warns
Children's charity announce new appointment of Patron
Thousands of new homes planned as North Yorkshire maps out its future
Badly parked cars which block narrow roads should be towed, says councillor
Skipton businesses nominated for upcoming Yorkshire Choice Awards
Local Choir Concert to raise money for Craven charities
Police name teenage girl who died after being pulled from River Wharfe
Free train tickets to help families beat the 'back to school' squeeze
Skipton BID hosts first ever launch event for the Business Awards
Carleton Gala postponed to September due to weather
Skipton MP receives update on Airedale Hospital plans
