“Fabric is very much in our speech and the words we use, but it’s also a part of our collective memory, it’s a reflection of our society, of our inheritance."
Those were the words of Councillor Russell Gordon-Smith, deputy mayor of Winchester, as he formally opened The Fabric of Winchester at the Theatre Royal Winchester.
An event was held on Tuesday, September 6 at the Theatre Royal Winchester to launch the large-scale creative initiative aimed at bringing together the community.
He said: “I’m proud that Winchester City Council is supporting this project and know that this scheme will have wonderful benefits”.
St John’s Winchester chair of trustees, Roger Bright CB, also spoke of his hope for the project to capture the imagination of all in the district.
Built on personal and collective memories, he highlighted the work of the St John’s Dementia Support service, which launched in October 2022 and in less than a year has already provided life-changing support to nearly 300 individuals living with dementia.
Mr Bright said: “Our service remains free at the point of access, but perhaps sadly, the demand for it has been exponential. Our hope is that The Fabric of Winchester will highlight the value of memory, encouraging all in the community to support this impactful work.”
The launch event kicks off a four-month project which invites individuals, families, community groups, schools, churches, and local businesses to contribute to the creation of several memory quilts, either by gifting a piece of fabric or clothing, sewing a quilt square, or purchasing a block with a company logo or name.
The Fabric of Winchester is expected to deliver numerous civic, social and community benefits. With several Community Sewing Days, the project will generate opportunities for Wintonians to participate in artistic, and social events, aimed at reducing isolation whilst building connection and collaboration between attendees.
All participants are encouraged to share their stories and memories, highlighting the rich diversity of Winchester whilst promoting a sense of community belonging and identity.
In a move aimed at reducing barriers to engagement, participation remains free of charge for individuals, families, schools, and community groups, including for all Community Sewing Days.
However, all donations received during the project will go directly towards helping individuals, carers and loved ones facing a dementia diagnosis, transforming their quality of life.
FIRST FABRIC DONATION FROM THE GURKHA MUSEUM
The Gurkha Museum has gifted an important ceremonial scarf, marking the first fabric donation to The Fabric of Winchester.
Known as a Khata, the traditional Nepali scarf is used to greet an honoured guest.
With its origins in Tibetan Buddhism, today in Nepal and across the Brigade of Gurkhas it is used by all faiths, sometimes to represent a garland of flowers.
The choice of colour has significance in Buddhism but in the Brigade of Gurkhas many colours have been incorporated.
Director of the Gurkha Museum, Dr Daren Bowyer, said: “I am delighted that Winchester’s significant Nepali community, most with a background of Gurkha service, have been included in this exciting project.
“We are proud to be involved and offer ‘subbhakamana (best wishes) to the project.”
Fabric and items of clothing which hold special meaning to individuals, families, and community groups can be donated to the project for inclusion in one of several memory quilts.
LOCAL WINCHESTER BUSINESSES JOIN AS PARTNERS
More than a dozen local businesses have partnered with St John’s Winchester to realise The Fabric of Winchester.
Led by major partner Shentons Solicitors, and corporate partners Carter Jonas and The Winchester Bakery, a further 10 businesses have helped to shape this important initiative.
Among these are Janome UK, who have provided eight state-of-the-art sewing machines for use at Community Sewing Days, to be hosted at BellaCrafts, Theatre Royal Winchester, The Winchester Bakery, The Arc, and Winchester Sports & Leisure Park. Further support from the Hampshire Chronicle, Winchester Radio, and Winchester BID have helped ensure widespread reach.
Elisabeth Pollard, partner at Shentons said: "We are extremely proud to be a partner and sponsor of the Fabric of Winchester project.
“St John's have been providing invaluable support to the older people of Winchester for many years and the deep community involvement of this project is going to help their support touch even more lives.
"We are really looking forward to attending the Community Sewing Days, sharing our own Winchester memories and hearing others tell their stories.”
COMMUNITY SEWING DAYS
- 10am-4pm, Sunday, September 17 – BellaCrafts
- 1pm-5pm, Monday, September 25 – Theatre Royal Winchester
- 10am-2pm, Thursday, October 5 – Winchester Bakery
- 1:30pm-6.30pm, Friday, October 13 – Winchester Sports and Leisure Park
- 11am-5pm, Sunday, October 22 – The Arc
Free to attend but registrations are essential via the Playmakers website. Full details including accessibility and capacities are available on the St John’s Winchester website.
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE?
- Donate a piece of fabric or clothing
- Stitch your own 9” x 9” ‘block’ (the squares that make up a quilt)
- Join one of the free Community Sewing Days
- Purchase a ‘Business Block’ for your business.
- Share your memory or story along with any photos of your block on social media and use one of the hashtags: #FabricOfWinchester or #StitchedTogether
- Sign up to receive Fabric of Winchester updates via the St John’s Winchester website.
SUPPORT THE ST JOHN’S DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICE
In recognising the power of personal stories, Fabric of Winchester participants are asked where possible to consider a gift of any size towards the St John’s Dementia Support service, donating for those whose memories are cherished.
With the community's support, St John’s will be able to answer every call for help, meeting the unprecedented demand for the free service.
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