LITTLE did Otley Sewing Collective know when they put out the call for volunteers to help sew scrubs for the NHS, that a year on they would have a group of 50 women and men who have worked tirelessly in support of the community.

Last week for the first time in many months the group had no orders for scrubs so they took a breath and wondered if this time they could dare to hope that the end may be in sight?

Andi Petch, chair of the collective said: “I wanted us to take the time to pause and reflect on our achievements in the last year. Since beginning our journey as part of the Maker Space to the fledgling group we are now we have used 1838 metres of fabric; made 612 sets of scrubs and 700 face masks, and given 6311 hours of volunteer time. Otley has been fortunate enough to have one of the lowest infection rates and I would like to think we played a small part in this.”

Wharfedale Observer: Sandra modelling the group’s very stylish scrubs

Sandra modelling the group’s very stylish scrubs 

The volunteer team come from a wide range of backgrounds but all were motivated by a desire to give something back to the community and to make a difference.

Claire said: “I volunteered to sew scrubs with the Maker Space because I wanted to help the local community during the pandemic. Seeing how hard NHS staff and key workers were having to work made me feel very guilty about staying safe at home. Getting back into sewing has allowed me to meet new people, learn new skills and generally reawakened my love of needlecraft. As well as scrubs, masks and bunting for the group I have also started making toy bags and baskets and similar small projects for the grandchildren and find it all very satisfying, rewarding and has helped my mental health enormously over the last year of lockdowns.”

Wharfedale Observer: Sharon sewing scrubs

Sharon sewing scrubs 

Hilary added: “I am humbled and proud to have met such lovely people who through the sewing initiative, did not only help the frontline staff, it has kept me sane throughout three lock downs and re-engaged me with the satisfaction of making something.”

It has not all been positive as the group’s experiences reflect those of the wider community. The difficulties supporting family and friends with mental health issues. The anxiety of not being able to see loved ones, especially those with dementia and the ever-present worry that they might not even know you when you are able to see them. Watching children or grandchildren struggle to make sense of the world and trying to keep them safe.

Wharfedale Observer:

The Otley Sewing Collective who have working flat out sewing scrubs for the NHS during the coronvirus pandemic

Andi added: “I would like to give special mention to all the scrubs husbands who have had the rhythm of their life dictated by the relentless rattling of the sewing machines, but on the up side they know how to lay a pattern out and their tea making skills are almost perfect!”

The sewing collective has now created a banner to commemorate how the town came together to support the community at this time crisis. The banner will be hung in Otley Parish Church on Tuesday, March 23 - a day that has been nominated as a day of national reflection.

Andi concluded: “I hope people with take five minutes out of their day to go in the church and reflect on the past year and hopefully take encouragement from the supportive community we are fortunate enough to live in.”