Rutland Refill Community Interest Company have instigated a new community project in which cafe visitors are encouraged to create knitted and crocheted squares to make blankets for those in need.

Rutland Refill is a Community Interest Company created by director Jenni Penfold, who had always dreamed of opening a zero-waste shop and cafe to give local people a welcoming community hub.

The venue opened in July 2021 and has since jumped from strength to strength, stocking zero waste products, handmade items made by local creatives, and providing a community space for local people to come and connect.

Image courtesy of Rutland Refill CIC

Now, this hub is hosting a new initiative to support those struggling with heating costs, creating blankets out of crocheted and knitted squares made by cafe visitors to give to those in need amid the cost-of-living crisis.

The team have encouraged local knitters and crocheters so pop down to the cafe and "enjoy a coffee or pot of tea whilst knitting or crocheting a square to help make some blankets for those in need". 

The cafe can be found at 1 Westgate, Oakham, which previously contained the Mermaid Fish Bar.

Further details of Rutland Refill can be found here.