Ellen Clark with a selection of knitted and crocheted items.
ELLEN Clark is a champion of the Women’s Institute who lives in Opotiki with her daughter Denise.
A spritely 92, she claims to be 93 but is gently reminded by Denise “you’re 93 in a month mum”.
Regardless of age, Ellen is an inspiration and a woman who always has a project on the go.
Recently she finished 17 trauma bags for Whakatane Hospital, into which, out of her own pocket, she added combs, toothbrushes and soap from the $2 Shop.
Other members of Women’s Institute top up these trauma bags with shampoo, conditioner and toothpaste and deliver them to the hospital where they are distributed to patients in need.
Eastern Bay Women’s Institute president Val Tyssen says they have making trauma bags for the past 30 years she has been involved with the organisation and the contents haven’t really changed.
Ellen is involved in many other Women’s Institute projects and is a prolific crocheter and knitter. She and her step-sister taught themselves as children to crochet and knit by practising together. She is still unable to read a pattern but can copy complex designs from memory.
Recently she made six sets of premature baby jumpers and booties for Opotiki ambulance and hospital. “Two were used straight away, one down in Te Kaha,” she declares, delightedly.
Ellen keeps the local police and fire service topped up with trauma teddies, used to calm little ones in emergency situations. She also knits fish-n-chip jumpers for Plunket. Ellen explains the origins of the name saying the jumpers were commissioned by nurses working in Africa, as they had nothing to wrap newborn babies up with, except newspaper.
“The brighter the better as they never get washed, as water’s short there” were the instructions. It doesn’t stop there. She collects for ward eight. “Oh yes, last time I collected 20 knitting needles and wool, crochet hooks and games because they’ve got nothing to do in there.”
As well as this she still finds time to have 30 entries in Women’s Institute home industries competition this month.
Julie Chapman, Whakatane Hospital co-ordinator said: ”We really want to acknowledge the kindness and incredible generosity of the amazing women of our local Federation of Women’s Institutes in making these regular donations to Whakatane Hospital over many years. It is hugely appreciated.
Dido Eden