With the closing date for block donations fast approaching, Wintonians are being encouraged to submit their contributions by 4pm on Friday, November 10.
Since the launch of the initiative in early September, more than 100 people have attended one of seven Community Sewing Days, held in venues across Winchester city, including at BellaCrafts, Theatre Royal Winchester, The Winchester Bakery, the Winchester Sports & Leisure Centre, and The Arc Winchester. Another session was held as part of Brendoncare’s Friendship Club at the Weeke Community Centre in early November.
Given the demand for the Community Sewing Days, a final two ‘drop in’ sessions have been scheduled for 10am until 1pm on Thursday, November 9 and Friday, November 10, offering an opportunity for individuals to complete their unfinished blocks and submit them for inclusion in one of the memory quilts.
There are several ways for individuals, families, community groups, churches, schools and local businesses to take part, either by donating a piece of fabric or clothing with sentimental meaning, stitching a 9 inch by 9 inch block representing a special memory (this can be done independently or at a Community Sewing Day), or by purchasing a bespoke business block which will feature of company logo or name (free of charge for charities).
All block donations should be accompanied by a Block Donation Form, which will capture the story behind each square.
The project has shone a light on the important work of the St John’s Winchester Dementia Support service, a free service providing life-changing support for those in Winchester living with dementia, including their carers and family members.
In the 12 months since the service began, more than 300 people have benefitted from the guidance and care of two trained Admiral Nurses and an experienced Dementia Support Worker.
However, in recent months, demand for the service has increased exponentially, and the dedicated team has reached capacity. As a result, St John’s Winchester has called out to the Winchester community to support the service’s expansion, with fundraising efforts targeted at increasing the number of Admiral Nurses and Dementia Support Workers to ensure that every call for help is answered. Supporters can make a donation of any size to The Fabric of Winchester page via the St John’s Winchester website.
HOW THE DEMENTIA SUPPORT SERVICE HAS SUPPORTED WINTONIANS
When times are challenging, St John’s Admiral Nurses work with families and carers of those living with dementia to provide one-to-one practical support and expert guidance.
Their expertise and knowledge helps the individual, their families and carers to navigate their way through the complexities of living with dementia.
Running as part of the Dementia Support service at the Winchester Sports and Leisure Park, St John’s free Memory Wellbeing Centre, led by their Dementia Support Worker, provides a safe space where members can access advice and support, and take part in a range of games and social activities.
Speaking about the service, one member who regularly attends St John’s Memory Wellbeing Centre said: “The Admiral Nurses at St John’s have saved my life, they’ve put me in contact with lots of support – they have been amazing.”
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
As the block donation stage ends on Friday, November 10, the volunteer Wessex Quiltmakers are preparing to gather all stitched blocks and donated fabric. Coming together to arrange the blocks at a ‘Sewing Bee’, the Wessex Quiltmakers will create the memory quilts using fleece and wadding to give them a practical use when donated to Winchester Hospice.
Evalynn Mather, St John’s marketing officer, said: “Over the coming months we’ll be sharing more of the stitched blocks and fabric pieces that the project has received, as well as the wonderful stories behind them on both social media and our monthly newsletter.
"Now that the block donation stage has closed, we’re really looking forward to seeing the quilts coming together and sharing the process with the local community.”
After the quilts have been made they will be on display for public viewing at The Arc between 12-14 January 12-14, before being gifted to Winchester Hospice for use by their patients.
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
- 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
Dementia Support Service (Image: St John's)
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.
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