Nearly 400 individuals attended the three-day exhibition of The Fabric of Winchester quilts.
The exhibition was held at The Arc, in Jewry Street, between January 12 and 14. Many who had contributed bespoke blocks to the project came to see the quilts on show.
The public display marked one of the final stages of the initiative, which has inspired hundreds of Wintonians to share their powerful memories and stories through sewing.
Reflecting on their participation, one attendee said: "It was very much a community event in which people from all walks of life in Winchester could take part."
Another said: “The finished quilts were so much more professional than I thought possible."
In feedback collected from block donors, nearly 90 per cent rated the project as ‘excellent’.
Following the exhibition, the quilts were formally given to Winchester Hospice in a small ceremony attended by representatives from the major partners, including Shentons Solicitors and Winchester City Council, media outlets Winchester Radio and the Hampshire Chronicle, and key project figures including memory artist Katy Rundle, and project lead Maddie Cowell. The hospice’s consultant nurse and clinical lead for end-of-life care, Maddy Thomson received the quilts on behalf of the hospice.
In a gesture of generosity, three of the six quilts will now be loaned to Fabric of Winchester partners, and local businesses and charities for up to a month at a time, enabling them to display them in their foyers and receptions around Winchester. It is hoped this will continue to allow the general public to enjoy the quilts in the coming months, before being returned to the hospice for patients’ use.
For St John’s Winchester the project has helped bring widespread awareness to their critical Dementia Support service, uniting the community through storytelling and creativity. The charity has several other community-inclusive projects in the pipeline, including a major cycling-based campaign slated for May.
Further collaborative projects with businesses, local groups, and other Winchester charities are planned for the second half of 2024. Those interested in knowing more about any of the charity’s future initiatives are encouraged to contact St John’s via email or sign up to the monthly eNewsletter to receive regular updates.
SHAWFORD SPRINGS
St John’s Winchester visited Barchester’s Shawford Springs for the launch of its new Memory Wellbeing Centre.
Based on the meeting centre model, the new centre aims to provide stimulation and comfort to those with dementia, and support to families and carers of those living with dementia through a carers' educational programme.
The programme consists of several sessions over six months, some of these sessions include information and advice on legal lasting power of attorney delivered by Shenton’s Solicitors, information on assistive care technology delivered by Hampshire County Council, and advice on driving and the Blue Lamp Trust delivered by Hampshire Fire & Rescue Service.
As spaces for the programme are limited, those who are interested are encouraged to contact the St John’s Dementia Support team by email at dementiasupport@stjohnswinchester to join the waiting list.
ALMSHOUSES AVAILABLE FOR OCCUPANCY
With the recent completion of their Colebrook Street almshouses and their four existing almshouse sites, St John’s Winchester is pleased to invite eligible residents to apply for accommodation in their caring and vibrant community.
Located in the heart of Winchester, St John’s almshouses provide an affordable, supportive, and safe living environment for individuals aged 60 and above, who lack financial means. Eligible applicants must live in the Winchester district or surrounding area at the point of application, or have a close relative living there, wherever they are currently living.
Registered with CQC and supported by a team of dedicated Welfare staff, St John’s residents are encouraged to lead fulfilling and independent lives, making use of the clubs, events and trips facilitated by the charity to foster a sense of connection and community.
Those interested in joining the St John’s community are invited to learn more about their available almshouses by contacting their main office at office@stjohswinchester.co.uk or 01962 854 226.
ALMSHOUSES
St John’s Winchester is a proud member of the almshouse movement which boasts 35,000 almshouses across the UK.
The charity is unique within the movement as it provides unrivalled levels of care and support to residents who cherish their independence.
Helping people maintain their independence remains St John’s Winchester’s driving force today. The almshouses provide affordable, independent living for older people in Winchester, Hampshire.
HAND IN HAND
St John’s Hand in Hand is a dedicated well-being, signposting and befriending service, created to extend support for older people in the local community. It is aimed at making a real difference by improving the well-being of local older people, offering access and gateways to new social opportunities and helping scheme members to live full and independent lives for as long as possible.
HOMESHARE
St John’s Homeshare is a mutually beneficial living arrangement where an older householder who has a spare room and would like some help and companionship around the home, is matched with a younger sharer.
Through the service, in return for affordable accommodation, the younger person gives 10 hours of companionship and practical help, such as shopping, cleaning, cooking meals together, gardening or pet care.
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