By Kyra Gillespie
The Beacy Girls patchwork, quilting and craft group has donated eight handmade quilts to the Tattersalls Palliative Care Unit.
Hours of meticulous attention and care have gone into the colourful creations for the 15-bed unit.
“We wanted to make their lives brighter,” patchwork group teacher Sue Davidson said.
The patchwork group meet up each Thursday from 9:30am-midday at the Beaconsfield Neighbourhood Centre, where Sue teaches them an array of skills and techniques to put towards their creative projects.
“It’s not just a craft group – it’s a friendship group.
“Everybody is welcome,” Sue said.
Each quilt is made collaboratively; while one person might do the assembling, the material often comes from another person in the group.
“It’s a combined effort.” Sue said.
Each quilt has its own unique colour scheme and pattern that has been carefully thought out by its maker.
No two are the same.
“You sort of have to audition your fabrics and choose the best ones,” group member Shirley Bell explained.
Former nurse at the palliative care unit Helen Burns was blown away by the work of the Beaconsfield group.
“The quilts that these ladies have made are amazing.
“They are so beautiful and so special,” Helen said.
“This is one of the biggest donations we’ve had – there’s almost enough for every bed to have a new quilt.”
Although Helen has retired from nursing, she now donates her time to managing the quilts for the unit.
Helen’s mission is to make the ward feel like a home, rather than a hospital.
“The quilts promote a homely, family environment.
“The colours and patterns give the patients something interesting to look at.
“And it’s not just for the patients to feel comfortable, but for the families too.”
