IT was with some sadness that the ladies of Yeoford Yarns closed the door at the Community Hall for the last time after 25 years of regular meetings.

The members of Yeoford Yarns have enjoyed all kinds of needlework over the years with guest tutors, meetings with other groups, outings to places of interest and visits to exhibitions.

Most of the work raised funds for charity, the largest donation of £3,500 going to the breast cancer clinic at Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital.

In 2023/24 members crafted over many months a stunning quilt in memory of Martin Cooper who was Medical Director for the Royal Devon University Hospital and sadly passed away in 2018.

Martin was a FORCE patron with a wealth of expertise in cancer care who helped get the FORCE support centre built in 2004.

Crediton Friends of FORCE were donated the quilt which was raffled, raising £1,100.

Yeoford Yarns also knitted 70 hats, scarves or pairs of gloves for seamen from overseas who took jobs at sea to escape poverty but had no suitable clothing.

Members were set a yearly challenge, producing patchwork, cushions, needle cases, wall hangings, pictures and more, one year all with a blue theme.

Edna Beasley, said: “After Covid, members found it more difficult to attend meetings until getting together was no longer viable and so a lovely cream tea and the sharing of memories brought it to a close on July 1.

“It was started by Marj Gleed as a six-week patchwork class to raise funds for Yeoford Church, the spire of which had blown down in a terrific storm.

“As a result of everyone enjoying the class Yeoford Yarns was formed.

“Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this wonderful, friendly and successful group, especially those who have worked hard to keep it going.”