Scouting 'Knits' you!

A unique community project is taking shape across North Tameside as local Scouts launch an ambitious and creative way to mark a triple anniversary year.

For in 2026, Squirrels, Beavers and Cubs will each celebrate their own key anniversary milestones, and North Tameside Scout District is inviting the public to get involved in a special initiative by knitting hundreds of miniature Scout figures.

The aim is simple but inspiring: to create around 400 hand-knitted Scouts, each standing approximately 15cm tall and representing a young person currently involved in Scouting across the district.

Once completed, the figures will be brought together as part of a large-scale art installation. Organisers aim to join forces with other Tameside Scout districts to stage a colourful display at Linnet Clough Scout Campsite in Mellor in autumn this year.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Squirrels (four to six years), 40 years of Beavers (six to eight years), and 110 years of Cubs (eight to ten and-a-half years).

To mark the milestones, Tameside organisers say their project is about far more than knitting. It is designed to bring generations together, celebrate young people and their role in the community, and create something meaningful that reflects teamwork, creativity and shared pride. Each individual figure will be unique, while still forming part of a wider “Scout family.”

Every knitted Scout can also be tagged with the name of its maker or group, ensuring the final display represents the community effort behind it.

Patterns, guidance and support are all being provided, making the project accessible to knitters of all abilities. Organisers are encouraging individuals, groups and knitting clubs to get involved, whether they can contribute one figure or many.

A spokesperson said: “This is about creating something that simply couldn’t exist without people coming together. It’s a chance to leave a lasting legacy for this special anniversary year and celebrate everything Scouting stands for.”

Anyone interested in taking part is encouraged to contact Vanessa Rothwell, Chair of North Tameside Scout District, at vaness.rothwell@ntscouts.org.uk, or Ken Marks at ken.marks@ntscouts.org.uk.

With hundreds of tiny figures set to come together, organisers hope the project will stitch together a powerful story of community, care and creativity across Tameside.