Woolly Christmas Yarnbomb spreading festive spirit in Hertford
The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters have adorned the Town Centre's tree with characters from a family-favourite pantomime
With Christmas around the corner, one group in Hertford are spreading a little bit of magic with their festive Yarnbomb.
The Secret Society of Hertford Crafters (SSOHC) have put recycling at the heart of their decoration this year, working with the Town Council to adorn a Christmas tree with woolly characters from a family favourite pantomime: Cinderella.
More than 100 Crafters, ranging in age from 16 to 100 have taken part in the Yarnbomb.
SSOHC work tirelessly throughout the year, sewing, knitting, crocheting and upcycling projects, which are auctioned off for local charities.
This year, the Society are supporting the Hertfordshire Breast Appeal Unit, with funds from all projects supporting the appeal.
The Cinderella Christmas Tree was formally unveiled last month, with a launch at the Hertford Christmas Gala.
Pumpkins, mice, glass slippers, clocks and well-known characters decorate the surroundings of the tree, bringing joy to locals who visit.
Also included is Prince Charming's whole castle, complete with a moat, kitchen, drawbridge, towers and dancers in flowing gowns.
But what Cinderella story is complete without a fairy Godmother, Prince Charming, the Cruel sisters, and of course, Cinderella herself.
Melanie**** from SSOHC says: "Our number one priority for why we do this is to bring joy to our town. That is what we do. We do it to engender community spirit.
"People are always looking out for what we do next."
"It will magically disappear as well. We don't like to say when it'll go".
This year, recycling has been a keen part of the Society's work, which is reflected in their crafts.
Melanie explains, "A lot of the yarn that we use is actually donated to us. So people have clear outs of their garages or wherever and say they've got bags of yarn, 'would you like it?'
"We gratefully accept it and so a lot of the yarn has been donated to be used in our projects.
"We have used bottles to make cloches and bells and the stars that you see on the tree. Plastic bags have been used as underskirts for the beautiful gowns that you're seeing. Costume jewellery has been reused as decorations.
"There's some fireplaces dotted around the ballroom scenes and pieces from actual wood from offcuts of sheds have been put into that.
"There's even somewhere a piece of a lampshade!"
Once the Christmas spirit has been fully spread, the characters will be auctioned off for charity.