Romsey

Woollen TV Characters Perk Up Romsey Bollards

Woollen TV Characters Perk Up Romsey Bollards

Romsey’s town centre bollards sport a fresh set of knitted covers this summer, each one nodding to television icons from past and present.

The Knit and Natter group, a local gathering of yarn enthusiasts, put together these whimsical pieces under the banner of “TV now and then”. You’ll spot familiar faces like Peppa Pig, Shaun the Sheep, Sooty, a cuddly teddy bear, and Zebedee from The Magic Roundabout, all perched atop the metal posts in the pedestrianised stretch along The Hundred and near the Market Place.

This marks the eighth year of the tradition, which kicked off in 2017 as part of a broader art initiative in the Test Valley. Back then, Dorothy Baverstock, a former town councillor, sparked the idea to jazz up the everyday street furniture and foster community spirit.

Since then, it has expanded, drawing in schools, charities, women’s institutes, and individuals to craft the toppers. Last year, nearly a hundred bollards got the treatment with a “Life on Earth” motif, featuring animals like monkeys and penguins.

For someone new to the area, these decorations offer a quirky introduction to Romsey’s community vibe. As you wander from the historic abbey or the nearby River Test, keep an eye out for the woollen surprises amid the shops and cafes.

The group meets every Friday morning at the library, where members chat over their needles, turning spare yarn into public cheer. They aim for fun in both creating and viewing, and the results do lift the ordinary into something playful.

Organisers note that participants enjoy the freedom to interpret the theme, even if it means promoting a cause or business. This year, around eighty bollards feature the TV designs, scattered through the central spots for easy spotting on a stroll.

The initiative ties into Romsey’s calendar of events, complementing markets and festivals that draw locals and visitors alike. If you’re passing through Hampshire, these toppers add a light-hearted layer to exploring the town’s heritage sites and green spaces.

Public feedback highlights the toppers as a hit, with comments noting they bring smiles to faces and appeal especially to children. Organisers report consistent positive reactions over the years, describing the displays as a beloved community boost that brightens daily routines.

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