IT IS an unusual protest that is bound to attract attention.

And that is exactly what members of the Oxford Quaker Knitters are hoping will happen as they help to create a seven-mile long pink peace scarf in protest against nuclear weapons.

The group is urging others to help them knit the scarf and they hope to contribute a mile-long section from Oxfordshire.

The scarf will be stretched between the two Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) sites in Berkshire in August next year. Sarah Lasenby, a member of campaign group Action AWE and the Oxford Quaker Knitters, said: “I have worked for a long time to lobby against nuclear weapons and this seems a good a way to raise the issue. We have got to let as many MPs know as possible that we don’t want them to vote for the Trident renewal in 2016.

“It is another way to try and raise awareness.”

She added: “I hope that Oxford and Oxfordshire will be able to knit one mile.”

Mrs Lasenby, from East Oxford, has started the knitting and says she has about 30 people already interested in helping finish it.

Hundreds of knitters will be involved across the country.

When the scarf is stretched between the two sites at Burghfield and Aldermaston on August 16 next year, it is believed that about 2,500 people will be needed to hold it.

The Oxford group will have to finish their section by May so there is time to stitch all seven miles together.

Pink is being used as it is an anti-war colour.

Mrs Lasenby said: “On the continent, especially Sweden, they have been using pink as an anti-military colour.”

Each knitted section needs to measure 60cm by one metre, casting on about 90 stitches using large needles and wool in a shade of pink.

Once the protest has finished, there are plans to divide the scarf and use it as blankets for emergencies, which could be donated to the International Committee of the Red Cross or Oxfam.

The Oxford group wants more knitters to get involved.

To find out more, contact Sarah Lasenby on 01865 725 991.

s For more information about Wool Against Weapons, visit woolagainstweapons.co.uk or Action AWE visit actionawe.org

THE OXFORD QUAKERS

  • OXFORD Quakers was formed about 200 years ago and currently has more than 400 members.
  • The group moved from a rented space in the High Street to its own premises at 43 St Giles in 1951 and by 1955 the new meeting house was built.
  • The house is undergoing three months of building work to add insulation and underfloor heating, expected to finish in November.
  • Visit oxfordquakers.org