Woolly rugby display 'brings WI members together'

Thousands of balls of wool have been used to create a rugby-themed yarnbombing display through Northampton town centre

A community yarnbombing project inspired by the upcoming Women's Rugby World Cup has brought members of the Women's Institute (WI) together, according to its organiser.

WI groups from Northamptonshire have prepared a yarnbombing installation, which includes pom-poms, murals and flags in tournament colours, stretching nearly a mile (1.6km) through Northampton.

The display runs through from St James Bus Station to Franklin's Gardens, the home ground of Northampton Saints, which is scheduled to host six matches.

Christine Carr, Northamptonshire WI's federation chair, said: "We've got members who haven't met before, who have sat together and chatted, so it's really brought the WI members together."

Christine Carr said the yarnbombing project had taken almost a year to complete

WI members have worked on the display since last August.

The display was commissioned with support from England Rugby and West Northamptonshire Council, and has grown in scale since it was first proposed.

Lynne Abraham, of East Hunsbury WI, said: " We're the only town out of all the places the games are taking place.

"We want the world to see Northampton on the map. I'm quite emotional about it… [the display] makes me so proud."

Carolyn Stone, of Hunsbury Hill WI, said: "We've got to meet lots of ladies from other WIs through this project... It was worth doing to show what the WI is capable of."

The Women's Rugby World Cup will begin on 22 August, when hosts England face the United States.

Franklin's Gardens is one of eight venues across England hosting matches.