Surfing Santa Unveiled in Yorkshire Dales by Yarnbombers

A group of yarnbombers has revealed their newest creation: a depiction of Father Christmas riding a surfboard. This 7ft (2.1m) tall figure, dressed in red shorts instead of traditional trousers, is positioned on a surfboard above the beck in the Yorkshire Dales town of Hawes. The Hawes yarnbombers, known for past projects such as a woolly rendition of Wallace and Gromit, stated that they commenced work on this piece covertly in August. Through their various knitted and crocheted artworks, the group has collected over £18,500 in contributions for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Comprising six friends, the Hawes Yarnbombers produce art installations throughout the town. Since their establishment during the Covid lockdown, their creations have included knitted scenes ranging from “Shrek and friends” to “Alice in Wonderland.” For this most recent installation, their aim was to bring a festive atmosphere to the town. Jane Barratt, a knitter within the group, commented: “A member of the Hawes Christmas Lights Group has always had a dream of having a Santa surfing over the beck and she caught us in a weak moment and asked if we might be able to make one.” The surfing Santa Claus was constructed using wire mesh, filled with foam and recycled plastic bottles to maintain its form against rain and spray, and then covered with a combination of knitting and crochet. This figure is accompanied by a smaller knitted version and a reindeer, both located in the town centre. For the last few months, these creations resided in Ms. Barratt’s kitchen, situated above the dog bed. Initially, the knitted projects were solely for the town’s enjoyment, but they rapidly evolved into a method for charitable fundraising. Suzanne Excell, another member of the group, stated: “We did it at first just for the fun to make people smile, but we kept on being offered donations, in pubs for example, for the work we’d done.” The group’s fundraising endeavors have recently garnered recognition, as they were presented with a Community Fundraising Award by the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Ms. Excell further commented: “Doing this is just so good for our mental health and we love working as a community. It’s then a bonus to feel we’re doing such good for such a good cause.”