Arts Contribution: Tamara O'Brien

KEEN CROCHETER Tamara O’Brien has been nominated for the Arts Contribution of the Year award, sponsored by Moonpig.

Her nominator, Jess Rowe, said: ‘Tamara is the person behind the crochet postbox toppers that we see all around the island.

‘She started creating them during lockdown in order to raise people’s spirits and is still making them now.

‘Seeing the fun and creative toppers, especially during lockdown, brightened people’s days when spirits were low.

‘Creating the toppers isn’t a simple process as each postbox differs in size and shape, so she must measure each postbox and create the toppers to fit each one specifically.

‘When making the toppers, she funds the materials she uses out of her own pocket and expects nothing in return.

‘Tamara is a mother of three, so she must wait until her children go to bed before making the toppers.

‘After making them, she visits them multiple times per week to ensure they are secure and looking their best.

‘Every time I go to Town I see people surrounding the Jubilee topper she made, taking pictures and admiring her art.

‘She deserves recognition for all the time and effort she put into creating the toppers, especially seeing how many people enjoy seeing her art.’