The Fabric of Winchester: Leisure centre holds community sewing day

Among the attendees was Member of Parliament for Meon Valley, Flick Drummond, who started her own block for inclusion on one of the memory quilts.

Depicting the local railway station, she spoke of the project’s value in reflecting and engaging the rich diversity of Winchester. 

She said: “I am very excited to be part of this fantastic memory quilt project and have taken away my square to finish off at home.

"I lived opposite St John’s for many years in Eastgate Street and have seen the good work it does helping older people live well. When completed, I am sure the quilt will be fabulous, and I am looking forward to seeing other people’s memories of Winchester on it."

Included in the blocks made and donated during the session was one detailing the tiled floor in Winchester Cathedral; another represented the Black Boy pub with the maker describing their move to Highcliffe, Winchester 20 years ago, noting the pub as the heart of the community along with All Saints School and Church.

Four blocks were donated by the Winchester Bereavement Support, a voluntary organisation offering support to bereaved adults in Winchester and the surrounding area, first established more than 40 years ago. The charity has several bereavement visitors, trained and supervised by counsellors, and also provides bereavement support to Winchester Hospice.

Finally, a piece of fabric given to the project had been purchased 30 years ago, when the owner had bought their first flat and whilst furnishing it, “became excited to make a patchwork quilt for my bed”. Whilst the quilt was never finished, the fabric – and connected story – will now be included in one of The Fabric of Winchester’s memory quilts.

The closing date for donating blocks, fabric and clothing is Friday, November 10. Those who have been unable to complete their block are invited to attend one of two ‘drop in’ sessions at St John’s Winchester’s Community Room between 10am and 1pm on Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10.

EARLY SIGNS OF DEMENTIA

With over 200 different types of dementia and the possibility of someone having more than one type, dementia can present itself differently in different people, however, there are a set of common symptoms to look out for.

These include memory problems, including forgetfulness and difficulty retaining information: cognitive ability, including struggling with decision making, loss of interest in activities and restlessness: communication including struggling to find the right words, repeating themselves often, becoming quieter and more withdrawn, and changes in personality and behaviour.

Caroline Scates, deputy director for Admiral Nurse development at Dementia UK, said: “Seeking a diagnosis of dementia or support for symptoms can seem daunting, but if you or anyone you know thinks they may be experiencing symptoms of dementia it’s important you reach out for support as soon as possible. Our dementia specialist Admiral Nurses offer tailored support to anyone affected by dementia with our free dementia helpline and virtual clinics and through services like the team at St John’s Winchester.

“We know dementia doesn’t just affect the person with the diagnosis either – partners, children and family members can find their lives on hold as they become part-time or full-time carers. They need support too, and our Admiral Nurses are well placed to share practical and emotional advice to anyone affected by dementia."

To find out more about the symptoms of dementia and the support available, visit the Dementia UK website or get in touch with the St John’s Winchester Dementia Support service.

MATERIALS DONATED FROM FOUNDERS OF WESSEX QUILTMAKERS

St John’s Winchester has received a generous donation of cut patchwork pieces from the estate of Christina Sermon.

Donated by a family member of Christina and David Sermon, Karen Sermon comments, “Christina and her husband were the founders of the Wessex Quiltmakers.

Christina always loved working with fabric and developed a real passion and skill for quilt-making and patchwork.

David was a Mayor of the City of Winchester in the early 1970s, and he was a great supporter of Christina’s activities.

She said: "Both are now sadly deceased, but during their lifetime both were very active in their community. They loved Winchester and would have been delighted to know that they have helped support The Fabric of Winchester.

"It is fitting that we can pass these last few precious pieces of fabric pieces on, to be able to be creatively used by other skilled quiltmakers and thereafter enjoyed by recipients of the quilts which they become part of.”

COMMUNITY SEWING DAYS 

Drop-In Sessions:

10am-1pm, Thursday, November 9 (St John’s Winchester Community Room)

10am-1pm, Friday, November 10 (St John’s Winchester Community Room)

All Community Sewing Days are free to attend. Attendees are encouraged to bring along any fabric with sentimental value, although materials and sewing machines will be available for use.

Volunteers will be on hand to assist participants in using the sewing machines and can offer advice on design and construction.

HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? 

• Donate a piece of fabric or clothing, along with a Block Donation Form which captures the story or memory behind your fabric or item of clothing
• Stitch your own 9” x 9” ‘block’ (the squares that make up a quilt) – this can be done independently or at one of the Community Sewing Days
• 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 support of the community, St John’s will be able to answer every call for help, meeting the unprecedented demand for the free service and transforming the quality of life for all those in Winchester living with dementia.