ARRC Imjin Magazine Winter 25 | Seite 30

By Ina B. Werner

When people ask me what our Knit & Natter group is like, I can’ t help but smile— because it’ s hard to describe without words like cosy, cheerful, and wonderfully varied. I started this little group simply because I love knitting, and I prefer doing it in good company. Now, each week, my table fills with friendly faces, colourful yarns, half-finished projects, and plenty of laughter( plus the occasional dropped stitch).

swapping tips or chatting about something completely unrelated. It’ s lively and surprisingly relaxing.

What I love most is how everyone helps each other. If you’ re a beginner, someone will show you how to cast on or rescue a tangle. There’ s no judgement— just encouragement and curiosity.

becomes part of the fun. Someone always leans over to help, and before you know it, the problem’ s sorted.

After two hours, we start to pack up. People head off with smiles, fresh ideas, and promises like,“ I’ ll be back next week!” or“ Wait till you see what I’ m working on next time.”

For me, that’ s what it’ s all about— not just the crafting, but the company. It’ s a space to slow down, be creative, and enjoy being together.

So if you’ ve been thinking about taking up a craft, or just fancy a good chat and a nice cup of tea, come along to Knit & Natter. Bring your needles, your yarn, your project— or just bring yourself. You’ ll be welcomed with open arms, plenty of tea, and maybe even a biscuit or two.

We can’ t wait to meet you.

We meet at my home, in a bright, cosy room— the kettle’ s already on by the time the first few arrive. Some bring knitting, others crochet, embroider, patchwork, or work on whatever crafty project they’ ve got going. There are no rules. One week someone might be crocheting a blanket, another might be hand-sewing or making cards. As long as there’ s creativity and a willingness to chat, you’ re in.

I offer tea, coffee, or whatever they fancy, and then we settle in. The conversation starts straight away. Someone pulls out a project, and we all lean in to admire it.“ Oh, that’ s beautiful!” someone says.“ How did you do that edge?” Soon we’ re

Even if you come without a project, that’ s fine. Some drop by for the company. They sit with a cuppa, chat, and enjoy the atmosphere. Inspiration has a funny way of finding you when you’ re surrounded by colour, laughter, and creativity.

Of course, we don’ t just talk about knitting or crochet. Half the fun is the chatter— that’ s where the“ natter” part really earns its name! We talk about families, pets, books, travel, and whatever’ s going on. There’ s always a story, a giggle, or something new to share.

As the morning goes on, a gentle rhythm sets in— the click of needles, the rustle of yarn, bursts of laughter, and the occasional“ Oh no!” when someone drops a stitch. But even that

On 9th July 2025, the Imjin Welfare team hosted the Armed Forces Covenant( AFC) Gurkha Curry Lunch at Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, bringing together over 100 distinguished guests, including senior representatives from both military and the AFC.

The event celebrated the contributions of the Headquarters Allied Rapid Reaction Corps( ARRC) and the Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn, with opening briefings by Major General Mike Keating( COS ARRC) with the CO and Gurkha Major of Gurkha ARRC Sp Bn. The guests enjoyed a mesmerising traditional Khukuri dance, symbolising Gurkha strength, and discipline, followed by an authentic Gurkha curry lunch.

The attendees praised the blend of professional insight, cultural enrichment, and culinary excellence, which underscored the strong bond and further reinforced the importance of the AFC in supporting service personnel, veterans, and their families. This landmark

event strengthened ties within the AFC and Imjin Barracks, leaving a lasting impression and setting a high standard for future engagements.