'WHERE flowers bloom so does hope.'
That's the message from a mysterious group of ladies who are spreading some much-needed joy in Hope Square in Weymouth with 'yarn bombing' - a form of public art that involves decorating public spaces with amazing knitted creations.
Their efforts are particularly effective in contrast with the derelict Brewers Quay building.
With the news that the sale of the historic building had fallen through last week, it comes as a timely reminder that community spirit is still alive and well.
The yarn bomb is the work of four ladies known as the Hope Square Flower Power group, who are unpaid volunteers carrying out random acts of kindness just to make people smile.
The group is putting a spring in the stride of all who pass through: they have decked the Square with brightly coloured knitted flowers, butterflies and bumblebees.
The crafty quadrupled are green-fingered, too - they are responsible for keeping the planters in Hope Square looking blooming lovely, too.
A representative of the Hope Square Flower Power group told the Echo: "We heard about the Weymouth in Bloom (town centre flower display) competition and decided to brighten up Hope Square.
"We made butterflies for Weymouth in Bloom judging last summer, and Worry Worms as free gifts for children with anxiety during half term.
"We also made poppies for Remembrance Day and a Christmas display.
"This is our spring display... watch this space for more..."
An array of public art has been popping up around Weymouth.
The yarn-bombing comes after two larger-than-life bronze crab sculptures were installed in Hope Square - and can now be seen 'dancing' on top of Portland stone barrels outside Brewers Quay.
The crab sculptures are the handiwork of local stonemason Alex Evans, and were installed as part of the new Weymouth Art Trail commissioned by Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council.
Designed to 'encourage people to explore the town and reveal its history and relationship with water,' the trail is to feature a series of six sculptural installations at locations around the town. That project has been funded by Dorset Council, Weymouth Town Council and Arts Council England.
However, the Hope Square Flower Power group responsible for the knitted designs are unpaid volunteers who do not make money from their projects.
They are on the hunt for sponsors to help them buy more yarn for their next project.
- Can you help? Get in touch with the Hope Square Flower Power group by emailing tattyheadandco@gmail.com
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here