Since our last report the total raised has risen to
4,358.52. We continue to raise money for this cause until the end of the year.
A safe haven, a good anchorage
July 2024 saw the opening of the refurbished Felixstowe Seafarers Centre now under the management of QVSR. Back in 1972 the Port of Felixstowe granted a piece of land for the establishment of a Seafarers Centre. With grants from the Merchant Navy Board, local churches and other organisation the Centre opened in 1976 and since then has been caring for Seafarers. QVSR was invited to take over the centre and has transformed it with £200,000 funding from the Department of Transport, the Merchant Navy Welfare Board and the TK Foundation. Felixstowe now has a world class Seafarers Centre providing the best facilities for their welfare 24 hours a day. A team of dedicated volunteers drive the centre minibus picking up and returning Seafarers to their vessels. The Centre
offers among other things, free Wi-Fi, a shop, games area, a chapel and chaplains. Former Royal Navy man David Offord leads the chaplaincy team visiting the ships and welcoming seafarers. Even though Felixstowe is the opposite side of the country you can be a volunteer and join those who knit the woolly hats given to the seafarers.
Woolly Hat Pattern
Number 8 Knitting needles. Double Knitting wool.
Cast on 133 stitches. K1,P1 throughout until 9.5 inches with the P1 to start row.
Shape top
Rib 11 slip 1 knit 2 tog pass slip stitch over, repeat to end of row
Rib 1 row
Rib 9 slip 1 knit 2 tog pass slip stitch over, repeat to end of row
Rib 1 row
Rib 7 slip 1 knit 2 tog pass slip stitch over, repeat to end of row
Rib 1 row
Rib 5 slip 1 knit 2 tog pass slip stitch over, repeat to end of row
Rib 1 row
Rib 3 slip 1 knit 2 tog pass slip stitch over, repeat to end of row
Rib 1 row
Rib 1 slip 1 knit 2 tog pass slip stitch over, repeat to end of row
Rib 1 row
9
K1 slip 1 K2 tog pass slip stitch over
Draw up remaining stitches and secure, then sew up
Rachel Norris
however, not wearing a seafarers woolly hat !