Trees come alive with knitted song

Greerton Village Mainstreet Manager Sally Benning outside Greerton Village School.Video and photos: Rosalie Liddle Crawford.

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More than 40 trees in Greerton Village were ‘dressed' this morning with artists and knitters using the theme ‘Depict your Favourite Song'.

The popular annual yarn bombing got off to a fine start around 8am with many of the trees completed by 11am.

Eugene van der Merwe and Alan Paterson from Greerton Lions were on hand to help with setting up and holding ladders as the designs were attached to the trees.

'It attracts a lot of people from all over the country,” says Eugene. 'I know people coming from Katikati, Matamata, Hamilton and Auckland. They all just come to look at the trees. And our trees do get cold, they do need help to keep warm.”

'We were helping put up several displays,” says Alan. 'Just generally being part of the community. Some of them are really very effective.”

'I think some of them are absolutely brilliant,” says Eugene. 'We've been doing this now for about eight years. And every year it has improved. Every year it's better. I think this year is the best year.”

'I thought last year was good, but this year is even better,” agrees Alan.

Arms of an Angel, Don't stop believing, Purple Rain, I will survive, Aint no Mountain – these are some of the songs referenced by 'Supermarket Flower' theme created by Dani Barr for the Cancer Society tree at one end of the Chadwick Road shops.

Further along towards Cameron Road, the Blind Foundation turned their song ‘Sir Duke' into not only a visual theme created by Jayne Popham, but also included a braille version next to the tree.

Puff the Magic Dragon has taken up residence amongst the branches of a village tree outside the Greerton Library. A talented ceramic and mixed media sculptor, artist Wendy Pedersen has created the dragon from knitted wool in purples, greens and blues.

Supported by Crockford Real Estate and The Greerton Village Community Association, the 2018 Greerton Village yarn bombing display not only brightens up Greerton Village but also helps build awareness of the myriad number of services that support people within the Tauranga community.

Each artist, knitted art piece and tree supports a specific local charity.

Greerton Village Mainstreet Manager Sally Benning thinks that more than 50 trees have been yarn bombed.

'I think 36 or 37 trees have been yarn bombed specifically by a particular group for a charity,” says Sally.

'And they will be voted for starting later next week. You'll be able to go onto our yarn bombing page and vote for your favourite tree.

"And the tree that gets the most votes will get $1000 for their said charity, which is fantastic.”

'All of it will be done on Facebook by voting. Crockfords have sponsored that and the knitters and crotcheters of that same tree will also get $500 for themselves.

"So there's a real incentive to get out there and vote for your favourite tree. I think there are some amazing and very creative trees this year.”

This year, Crockford Real Estate have sponsored $2000 for prizes which go to the charity and yarn bombers whose tree attracts the most votes on the Greerton Village Yarn Bombing Facebook page.

There are also spot prizes for Facebook votes and the charity of the tree voted for.

Wendy Pedersen with her creation Puff the Magic Dragon.

Carol Power, organiser of the yarn bombing and Sally Benning, Greerton Mainstreet manager.

Ruth Murray with Kona and Rio, her two King Charles Cavalier dogs looking at the dragon.

Meg Lindekilde from Turning Point Trust.

Eugene van der Merwe and Alan Paterson, both from Greerton Lions.

Alessandra Tilby (on ladder), Alex Finn, Clive Tilby and Raffaella Veneziano (on ladder) from Multicultural Tauranga.

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1 comment

Well Done !

Posted on 24-06-2018 17:42 | By Maryfaith

A big thank you to all those who knitted and made these wonderful 'tree clothes'. They have brought, and will bring much pleasure to the many people who will see and admire them. Much appreciated - well done. :)


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