A VERY INTERESTING KNIT-IN

The Grafton Nannas left their usual venue outside MP Gulaptis' office (and we're sure he missed us!) to set up outside the Link, further up Prince Street.

This is a much busier part of the main street and gave us a marvellous opportunity to greet old friends and to chat with other passers-by.  And we received plenty of approving comments.  It's great to know that the awareness-raising of our little Nanna Loop  - along with all our Nanna compatriots elsewhere - is contributing to the community's general understanding of the threat that gas-mining poses to our way of life and the future of our children and grandchildren.

As well as the venue change, two things made this knit-in special.  We were delighted to welcome back our two down-river Nannas  and to have our three Poppas all with us.  The Poppas - Barry, Brent,and Steve - were awarded their supporter badges (Nanna Groupie badges!).

The Grafton Loop's Poppas

Another feature was the launching of Lynette's new Grafton Loop sign.  Really impressive!  Once again our designer-extraordinaire Lynette has done a great job.

Another event made this knit-in very interesting.  The Link, outside which we were knitting, is an arcade owned by Shoppingworld, the large shopping centre behind Grafton's main street.  A member of the Shoppingworld management staff requested that the crocheted banner "We want a gasfield ban not a gasfield plan" be removed from the window  (their property).  It was  removed but this staff member put in a complaint to Council about our presence. 

A Council officer arrived and had some discussion with Nanna representatives about our presence on council land - the footpath out the front.  As a result the Nannas (respectful elderly ladies  that we are) moved on as requested.

GRAFTON NANNAS TALK TO ELECTION CANDIDATE

At our knit-in on Tuesday February 17 the Grafton Nannas had a natter with one of the candidates standing in the Clarence electorate at the March 28 state election.  Independent candidate Bryan Robins joined us for a chat about election issues and the role of independents and those representing political parties in the upcoming election. 

We were delighted to hear that Bryan strongly opposes gas mining. (We Nannas think ALL candidates should come out strongly in opposition to this damaging industry!)

We were also chuffed with his praise for the Knitting Nannas - the Grafton Loop and all the other Nannas -  and their effective campaigning on the problems associated with gas mining. 

The Grafton Nannas enjoyed their chat with Bryan Roberts (centre)

Nanna supporter Barry (who by now should be classified as a Poppa) astounded us with his new activity - darning socks!  It seems he's been self-conscious about sitting with us and not being busy creating with his hands.  "I can't knit," he said, "so I'm going to wield a needle and darn."  He thinks he needs to practise quite a bit before he becomes a 'darner extraordinaire'!  We wonder if the Grafton Loop are the only Nannas with a darning Poppa.

Our enthusiastic darning Poppa.  Go Baz!!!

Sarah continues to produce metres and metres of french knitting.  Is she planning to use it to lock dozens of gates?  At the moment she hasn't a plan.  Maybe she will use at least some of it to decorate her wonderful Nanna apron.

Sarah's french knitting grows and grows

Sarah's great Nanna apron

Dorothy's wonderful knitted animals enjoyed an outing with Steve's noisy racer.

GRAFTON NANNAS START THEIR 2015 KNIT-INS

The Grafton nannas enjoyed a long rest over December and January.  Now greatly refreshed - and energised by the up-coming state election - they've pulled out their wool and brandished their needles.  They met outside MP Chris Gulaptis' office on February 3rd and compared notes on their holidays and had a hilarious time discussing the political shennanigans in Queensland and in the federal sphere.

Lynette showed how busy she has been over the break creating some wonderful new crocheted banners.  We all particularly love - and heartily endorse - the banner I WANT A GOVERNMENT THAT'S NOT FOR SALE.  Needless to say, we think the one about the gasfield ban rather than the dubious  gas plan is also great.

Nannas display Lynette's new banners

A chook against gas ready to take off and campaign!

 

 

Dianne tries on her new jacket made by Dorothy

The Nanna Wrap

Knitting Nannas Against Gas founding loop yesterday premiered their music video in true Nanna style - live music, video preview, and of course tea and cakes!!!

Click on the link below - Nannas in action - watch and share!

THE NANNA WRAP