Over the past three weeks some residents from Carrington House, and Activities Co-ordinator Jazmine Radford, have joined others at the Balsam Centre on a Tuesday morning to learn about the Roll of Honour at the Parish Church and help create work that will form a community textile piece that will be exhibited on Saturday 5th July as part of the ‘Sketches of Wartime Wincanton’ Heritage & Arts project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and South Somerset District Council.
Embroidery, cross stitching, applique and embellishment have been some of the techniques used to create the textile work but more importantly there have been opportunities to chat about what sewing and textiles have meant over the years: Helping their mothers and aunts with repairs as young girls, making their own clothes for themselves and their family and for many of the women today, crocheting and knitting are sources of comfort and relaxation.
Jazmine adds: “This project is for the community of Wincanton and I approached Carrington House thinking it may suit some of the residents. I haven’t worked with this age group before and I have got so much out of it. I can now crochet! It has been lovely to make some textile art, in an informal setting and just having a chat.”
There are still more sessions at the Balsam Centre on a Tuesday from 10am-12pm. All abilities welcome. Please call 01963 31842 for more details.