PATCHWORKERS OF THE WORLD RALLY TO OMAGH POJECT
Patchworkers of the world rally to Omagh project
OMAGH'S own 'Patch Adams' has received a consignment of handiwork created by nimble-fingered needlewomen the world over to express their sympathy with the townspeople in the aftermath of the Market Street bombing.
Dr Clive Russell, consultant physician at Tyrone County Hospital, is in possession of an impressive collection of original patchwork quilts, cushions and wall-hangings representing hours and hours of painstaking work.
The individual squares of patterned material were donated by seamstresses of many nationalities, and then sewn together by members of the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild.
The idea was the brainchild of Ms Jayne Hill, an Englishwoman with a passion for patchwork, who felt moved to contribute something to the people of Omagh after the atrocity occurred in August.
It would seem that needlecraft has gone hi-tech these days, with enthusiasts around the world exchanging patterns and suggestions on the internet.
So Ms Hill sent out an electronic message asking for 'blocks' of fabric to send to Omagh.
The response was staggering, with quilters from Australia, New Zealand, North and South America and Canada indicating their desire to get involved in the project.
She then contacted Mrs. Ella Bennett, secretary of the NI Needlecraft Guild, asking if she would accept the squares, and Mrs. Bennett wrote to Dr Russell, wondering if he would be willing to receive the finished products on behalf of the townsfolk.
"From then on everyday was like Christmas Envelopes containing little patches arrived daily. Many had no name of sender, but all had a common goal to be identified with Omagh," Mrs. Bennett explained.
Contributors
She said it would be impossible to contact all of the contributors to thank them individually, but that Ms Hill intended to e-mail as many of her contacts as possible.
"The guild claim no credit whatsoever for this initiative, but were delighted to be able to contribute in a small way. I hope that whatever direction they go, they will contribute a little to the wonderful work which you and your team are continuing to provide for the people of Omagh," Mrs. Bennett told Dr Russell.
Examining the finished products in his office in the hospital, Dr Russell said he was extremely moved by the history of the multinational quilts.
"I was very touched by it, and quite surprised. I'm not an expert on patchwork, but these really are beautiful pieces.
"People all over the world are thinking about Omagh and using the talents they have in such a lovely way. It's a lasting gift," he said.
Dr Russell said the patchwork pieces should be put on display in a public area in the town.
He said such an exhibition would evoke the same emotional response as the 'Petals of Hope' created from the floral tributes left at the bomb site, which went on display in Omagh Library in March.
"These were donated to the people of Omagh by the patchwork quilters of the world, so they should be displayed in public buildings for all to see - perhaps the library, the council offices, the trauma centre and the hospital. That's what I hope would happen to them."
"They are gifts to the people of Omagh, and it would be lovely to see them displayed in a similar way to the flowers that were collected after the bomb."
OMAGH'S own 'Patch Adams' has received a consignment of handiwork created by nimble-fingered needlewomen the world over to express their sympathy with the townspeople in the aftermath of the Market Street bombing.
Dr Clive Russell, consultant physician at Tyrone County Hospital, is in possession of an impressive collection of original patchwork quilts, cushions and wall-hangings representing hours and hours of painstaking work.
The individual squares of patterned material were donated by seamstresses of many nationalities, and then sewn together by members of the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild.
The idea was the brainchild of Ms Jayne Hill, an Englishwoman with a passion for patchwork, who felt moved to contribute something to the people of Omagh after the atrocity occurred in August.
It would seem that needlecraft has gone hi-tech these days, with enthusiasts around the world exchanging patterns and suggestions on the internet.
So Ms Hill sent out an electronic message asking for 'blocks' of fabric to send to Omagh.
The response was staggering, with quilters from Australia, New Zealand, North and South America and Canada indicating their desire to get involved in the project.
She then contacted Mrs. Ella Bennett, secretary of the NI Needlecraft Guild, asking if she would accept the squares, and Mrs. Bennett wrote to Dr Russell, wondering if he would be willing to receive the finished products on behalf of the townsfolk.
"From then on everyday was like Christmas Envelopes containing little patches arrived daily. Many had no name of sender, but all had a common goal to be identified with Omagh," Mrs. Bennett explained.
Contributors
She said it would be impossible to contact all of the contributors to thank them individually, but that Ms Hill intended to e-mail as many of her contacts as possible.
"The guild claim no credit whatsoever for this initiative, but were delighted to be able to contribute in a small way. I hope that whatever direction they go, they will contribute a little to the wonderful work which you and your team are continuing to provide for the people of Omagh," Mrs. Bennett told Dr Russell.
Examining the finished products in his office in the hospital, Dr Russell said he was extremely moved by the history of the multinational quilts.
"I was very touched by it, and quite surprised. I'm not an expert on patchwork, but these really are beautiful pieces.
"People all over the world are thinking about Omagh and using the talents they have in such a lovely way. It's a lasting gift," he said.
Dr Russell said the patchwork pieces should be put on display in a public area in the town.
He said such an exhibition would evoke the same emotional response as the 'Petals of Hope' created from the floral tributes left at the bomb site, which went on display in Omagh Library in March.
"These were donated to the people of Omagh by the patchwork quilters of the world, so they should be displayed in public buildings for all to see - perhaps the library, the council offices, the trauma centre and the hospital. That's what I hope would happen to them."
"They are gifts to the people of Omagh, and it would be lovely to see them displayed in a similar way to the flowers that were collected after the bomb."
Further Information
Publisher: TYRONE CONSTITUTION
Ref: TC/1360
Published Date: 10-Jun-99
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