Anyone who has ventured out of their home and into Drogheda lately will have noticed several shop windows festooned with colourful stars.
These stars are the handiwork of a group of women and men called Drogheda Star Weavers who hand weave stars as part of the ‘One Million Stars to End Violence’ campaign. Their goal is to make 32,000 stars as part of an all-Ireland project.
Each star symbolises light, hope and solidarity against all forms of violence particularly domestic violence.
The international project was started in Australia by a Samoan weaver called Maryann Talia Pau, brought to Ireland by Art therapist Siobhan McQuillan and started in Drogheda by Catherine Baker.
Spokesperson for the Drogheda group, Paola Flynn, told Drogheda Life that they are lucky to have great support from local businesses and organisations.
“Groups such as Wool Works who have stocked the weaving packs and allowed us to distribute packs to helpful volunteers from the premises, the Irish girl guides and the many businesses on West Street and around the town who have displayed the stars in their windows such as Droichead Arts Centre, Stockwell Artisan Foods, Justin Callaghan & sons, Kieran’s Deli, Arrow Tours, One X and Designer Soy Wax Melts.
“The window display is our way of shining a light on this project and allowing us to tell our story” Paola said.
“The stars are woven using florist’s ribbon which is funded through donations to our Go Fund me page by weavers and businesses.
Paola Flynn making stars for the ‘One Million Stars to End Violence’ campaign with help from her son Matthew. Photo: Johnny Bambury.
“The weaving of the stars is therapeutic and the perfect lockdown hobby, they allow people to reach out and open up conversations around violence with people of all ages” Paola said.
“I have met so many wonderful people through this project and hope to meet many, many more. We plan in the future to have an exhibition of the stars and raise more awareness and some donations for local charities. Currently we have woven over 10,000 stars.
“During the dreary months of lockdown we hope that the stars bring a little hope, joy and light to those passing them on the streets of Drogheda.
“We would love to see new members join us in weaving these beautiful stars or businesses interested in displaying them you can contact us on Facebook, also on Instagram @Droghedastarweavers and by email at droghedastarweavers@gmail.com.
