Date: 20/11/2020

Residents at a Stoke-on-Trent retirement village have been getting ‘crafty’ making and selling items for local charities during the COVID-19 pandemic and countrywide lockdown.

Four Bradeley village customers have been turning to arts and crafts to help get them through the pandemic and to raise money and make goods for vital North Staffordshire charities.

One resident of the Staffs Housing scheme, Joanne, has been crocheting baby blankets for babies at the Royal Stoke Hospital and making doll dresses to sell and raise money for the urology ward or to give to patients as gifts this Christmas. Joanne told us: “Doing this has made getting through the pandemic easier – it’s something to do and I find it relaxing.”

Another resident, Doreen, is a keen sower: “I would have gone mad during lock down if it wasn’t for sowing” Doreen says. She’s been making items such as bags, aprons and washable facemasks to sell, with funds going to Douglas Macmillan. She’s also donated her facemasks to various places, including GP surgeries. 

It’s painting that has kept Betty busy during the pandemic and helped her to keep her mind active. The Bradeley resident has been painting since she was 19 years old and has taught others to paint over the years and has been selling her oil paintings recently to raise money for Douglas Macmillian and the Air Ambulance. During the countrywide lockdown, Betty has been focusing on winter scenes ready to sell for Christmas.

The fourth resident is Sandra. She’s always been interested in art and two years ago started to learn pyrography: “I’ve been creating unique pieces such as remembrance plagues, anniversary and birthday gifts. It has helped me a lot during the pandemic and its keeping me busy creating Christmas gifts.”

Michila Goodwin, Manager at Bradeley Village, said: “We have very talented individuals at the village, the time and commitment given to supporting local charities close to their hearts is what makes Bradeley Village a very special place! It’s great to share our days with creative, positive people who have truly made a difference during lockdown, cannot wait to see the Christmas pieces “

 

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