10th Anniversary Pageant 2005

*Click the photograph above to access a photo album of the 10th Anniversary Pageant

Made by our members especially for the 10th Anniversary Pageant

The following report is a little different from the normal
Group Activity report:"

Oscar and I were determined, despite physical handicaps, to attend the opening ceremony of a unique textile museum in the town of Achim, near Bremen in Germany. The exhilition consisted of my large "Mola" collection and work by Christel Walter, related to the mola applique technique of the Kuna Indians of Panama.

"Mola" is a Kuna word for cloth; it is the front and back panel of the Kuna womens' blouses which are still their everyday wear. The features on the colourful layer applique are like picture writing, describing everyday and special events, their mythology and the flora and fauna around them.

*Please click the below thumbnail images for larger photographs

After lifelong world travel, the wheelchair flight was quite an experience, much easier than we had expected With the help of friends we enjoyed five glorious days in Germany.

The highlight was the opening on 20th March of the exhibition in the museum. For me the fitting end of a lifelong research project."

Herta Puls.

Herta added the following note to her report:-

"Marilyn thought members might be interested to see how collecting textiles can be a very enjoyable and successful pursuit."

 

 

Donation of Comfort Quilts to the Ambulance Service for children in trauma

When the Caldicot and District branch of the U3A was launched ten years ago a few ladies were keen to start a craft group, over the years their membership has grown to 28.

One of the on-going projects undertaken was the “Comfort Quilts” these were made for infants and children who were traumatised in some way or other, either through illness or accident.

It was decided to approach the Ambulance and Fire Services, resulting in batches being given to these organisations on a regular basis.

As the quilts were somewhat bulky to store “WISCO” a local company came to their rescue and have continued throughout the years to “Vaccu-pack” them so that only a slim package is stored, but once released it becomes the cosy wrap for an unhappy child and we hope brings a degree of comfort.

*Please click the below thumbnail images for larger photographs

photo: Paramedic Barrie Duffield and U3A member Jean Imrie loading the quilts into the ambulance

photo: Paramedic Barrie Duffield with some of our members that worked on the quilts

Group convenor, Marilyn Bond said, when funds were low The Loyal Order of Foresters came to their rescue and gave them a donation It has enabled them to resume making the quilts and with this latest batch of 40 going to the Ambulance service, makes in total 225 made since the scheme was started.

Paramedic, Barrie Duffield who came to accept 40 new quilts on behalf of the Ambulance service, said, “we would like to thank all your wonderful ladies for the skills, dedication and love put into these quilts.” When asked if the children liked them, Barrie said, “they must, because they never give us them back"

The group have received a very generous donation of £600 from The Loyal Order of Foresters. This money will be used to buy materials for making quilts to give to the Emergency Services for the use of children in trauma situations.

This is a major project of the Group and we will be kept busy for some time to come. A very big ‘thank you’ to Andrea for putting us on the right road to apply for a grant.

Marilyn Bond

Maeve Tierney

Recently the ladies in our Handicraft group had a visit from Maeve Tierney who spent the day teaching them how to hand paint on pure silk, some of the results can be seen in our photographs.

*Click the photograph above to access a slide show of the Handicraft Group visiting Maeve Tierney

 

As previously reported the Handicraft group make quilts that are given to children traumatised in accidents. Unfortunately they are running out of materials and seek your help with this excellent community service.

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our Handicraft Group activities

Linda Aldritt representing Caldicot Community Clinic accepting the collage from Herta Puls from the Handicraft group. (How it was made) One member did the handpainted cotton batik and the other members brought flowers from their gardens. These were then put on to the squares of material.

 

The Handicraft Group presenting comfort quilts and pillows for children rescued by South Wales Fire Service at Caldicot Fire Station

*Click the photograph below to access a slide show of the Handicraft ladies making the quilts

The group have received a very generous donation of £600 from The Loyal Order of Foresters. This money will be used to buy materials for making quilts to give to the Emergency Services for the use of children in trauma situations.

This is a major project of the Group and we will be kept busy for some time to come. A very big ‘thankyou’ to Andrea for putting us on the right road to apply for a grant.

Marilyn Bond

The Handicraft ladies take time out from making the quilts, to pose for a group photo, but not even our cameraman could get everyone in one picture.

Visit to Beckford Silks

Although the Handicraft Group is comparatively small, it was good to see a full coach for the visit to Beckford Silks, in Tewkesbury, on 5th November.

Beckford Silks are a small family owned firm of specialist printers of not only silks, which they source from China, but also chiffon, crepe-de-chine and velvet. They offer a full service of custom design and printing of scarves, ties, handbags and other items to the customers specification.

Customers include such concerns as museums and heritage organisations who order goods with their own design or logo, usually for resale in their own shops.

*Please click the above thumbnail images for larger photographs

Although computers are used in the company, the printing is not yet digital and the item being printed can go through as many as 16 screens before completion. There is no waste of material, with offcuts being used for patchwork.

The party had the opportunity to to buy from Beckford Silks and also spent a little time in Tewkesbury for a little shopping. A very interesting day enjoyed by both the Handicraft Group and other members of U3A.

Stella Foster.