QUILT PROJECT GIVES WARMTH TO OMAGH
Quilt project gives warmth to Omagh
A BEAUTIFUL range of intricate patchwork quilts, produced by craftworkers worldwide in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing, will hopefully go on display in the town's library.
Following last August's bombing, Consultant Physician at Tyrone County Hospital, Dr Clive Russell, was contacted by Ella Bennett, secretary of the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild.
Ms Bennett informed him that a lady in England had sent an E-mail worldwide requesting anyone interested in doing something in the aftermath of the bombing to contact her.
"People from all corners of the world sent quilted squares which were then delivered to members of the Northern Ireland Guild.
"These members have been busy all winter sewing the pieces together and just this week the finished products, which are absolutely beautiful, have arrived in Omagh" Dr Russell said.
The collection of around 30 pieces includes a range of full-sized quilts together with various cushions.
According to Ms Bennett, following the request for donations, "every day was like Christmas."
"Envelopes containing one to six little patches arrived daily. The blocks came mainly from Australia, North and South America, New Zealand and Canada.
"Many had no name of sender, but all had a common goal - to be identified with Omagh.
"Volunteers then undertook to assemble them into the finished product" she said.
The Guild secretary added that she hoped the craftwork would contribute a little towards the wonderful work which the medical teams at the 'County' had provided for the people of Omagh.
Dr Russell, meanwhile, hopes to have the items displayed in the Library Headquarters where those interested in the craft can witness the work which has gone into the project.
It is also envisaged that the quilts and cushions will then be permanently displayed in a number of public buildings in the town.
A BEAUTIFUL range of intricate patchwork quilts, produced by craftworkers worldwide in the aftermath of the Omagh bombing, will hopefully go on display in the town's library.
Following last August's bombing, Consultant Physician at Tyrone County Hospital, Dr Clive Russell, was contacted by Ella Bennett, secretary of the Northern Ireland Patchwork Guild.
Ms Bennett informed him that a lady in England had sent an E-mail worldwide requesting anyone interested in doing something in the aftermath of the bombing to contact her.
"People from all corners of the world sent quilted squares which were then delivered to members of the Northern Ireland Guild.
"These members have been busy all winter sewing the pieces together and just this week the finished products, which are absolutely beautiful, have arrived in Omagh" Dr Russell said.
The collection of around 30 pieces includes a range of full-sized quilts together with various cushions.
According to Ms Bennett, following the request for donations, "every day was like Christmas."
"Envelopes containing one to six little patches arrived daily. The blocks came mainly from Australia, North and South America, New Zealand and Canada.
"Many had no name of sender, but all had a common goal - to be identified with Omagh.
"Volunteers then undertook to assemble them into the finished product" she said.
The Guild secretary added that she hoped the craftwork would contribute a little towards the wonderful work which the medical teams at the 'County' had provided for the people of Omagh.
Dr Russell, meanwhile, hopes to have the items displayed in the Library Headquarters where those interested in the craft can witness the work which has gone into the project.
It is also envisaged that the quilts and cushions will then be permanently displayed in a number of public buildings in the town.
Further Information
Publisher: ULSTER HERALD
Ref: UH/1273
Published Date: 10-Jun-99
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