Let the Games begin!

CROCHET and knitting groups in Downend have created two displays to welcome the Paris 2024 Summer Olympics.

On top of the post box outside the post office is a new creation by Downend WI’s knitting group, which includes Olympic mascots the Phryges, the Eiffel Tower, athletes holding the Olympic flag and medallists on a podium.

The display was designed by knitting group member Vanessa Martin, who also made the Eiffel Tower, mascots and globe, put together by Lynne van Raalte.

The base was crocheted by Suzzie Belcher, the podium display and flag made by Kathy Paramore and the flag-carrying athletes knitted by Sue Langley.

Carol Davies embroidered the Downend WI banner on the display and three other WI members made the gold, silver and bronze medals on the front and back.

The topper is raising money for charity 1625 Independent People’s base in central Bristol, St George’s House, which provides supported housing for single young people aged from 16 to 21.

A QR code on the display links to the WI’s JustGiving donation page, which can also be found at tinyurl.com/4bnyrww4.

Also celebrating the Olympics is a display made by the Tuesday morning Knit and Natter group at high street shop Fabrics Plus.

The window display includes Olympic rings made from balls of wool and a variety of competitors from gymnasts and cyclists to a pole vaulter and swimmer in the water.

It has been created to raise money for charity Dementia UK in memory of shop owner Robin Honeywill’s parents: a link for donations will be placed in the shop window.