Butterflies come to Berwick-upon-Tweed to mark 50th anniversary

An unusual sight will present itself to those visiting Berwick–upon-Tweed this weekend as residents and staff from Anchor’s King James Court retirement housing scheme decorate the town centre with over 200 specially knitted purple and gold butterflies.

Anne Forbes, Scheme Manager of Anchor’s King James Court explains: “It’s Anchor’s 50th anniversary this year and we wanted to do something memorable for our residents and the people of Berwick. 

“The idea came about at a coffee morning when we were discussing ideas to do something that would involve the whole town. Someone jokingly said why don’t we drown the town in purple and gold knitted butterflies! Everyone loved the idea and the rest is history. 

“We have involved customers of all abilities adapting knitting patterns so everybody could take part. For the last few months we have knitted hundreds of these lovely butterflies which on Friday morning we will be putting up all over town.” 

Each knitted butterfly will carry an invitation to attend a celebratory tea party at King James Court from 11am to 2pm on Friday 6 July to which all members of the public are welcome. 

Hundreds of parties are being held across the country to celebrate Anchor’s anniversary.

Margie Stephenson who lives at the scheme said: “We have been knitting butterflies for over four months and hope to have over 200 done. I have never done anything like this before and I’m looking forward to Friday immensely. This is typical of Anchor, which shows it has this wonderful community feeling.”

Another resident, Brian Shotton said: “I am 82 years of age and have lived here for almost three years. The scheme is well positioned in the town, with easy access to the shops and transport facilities. The most important thing to me is the security and peace of mind. We also do lots of entertainment in the lounge and as for the butterflies – they will brighten up the town no end and I am really looking forward to seeing them in full bloom.”

King James Court Butterfly Day will take place on Friday 6 July from 11am – 2pm at St James Court, West Street, Berwick-upon-Tweed.  At 6am on 6 July staff, residents and their families will put the knitted butterflies around the town with an invitation attached to come to the tea party.