COMMUNITY QUILTS

Wolverton & Greenleys Community Quilts One World 2000
"Wolverton Past, Present & Future"

 

In the early days of the Arts & Heritage Group, when members were suggesting projects, it was felt that it would be good to have a project that would be open to all members of the community. The One World Quilt Organisation had been promoting community quilt making in Milton Keynes for several years since the first One World Quilt was made to celebrate the Rio Conference.

We approached Wolverton & Greenleys Neighbourhood Council (now the Town Council) to secure a small grant to fund this project. The Quilt was to be made under the auspices of the One World 2000 Quilt organisation with local co-ordination.

Deidre Hancock, Carol Barac and Meg Vischer (One World) and Denise Ilett (Quilt Co-ordinater) held a public meeting at Foundation House with interested parties to launch the scheme. A feature was published in "Neighbourhood News". Most people were happy to just produce their quilt squares at home although help and support was always available.

Some workshops took place in local schools. All the children in both senior classes at Wyvern School took part in making their quilt square. They decided for themselves that their square should portray the Judas Tree at their school. Greenleys First School made their quilt square on one of their end-of-term "fun days".

Many individuals and groups in Wolverton, Greenleys and Old Wolverton took part. Subjects varied from "Lovely Lights" by resident Maggie Pemberton to celebrate the new attractive lighting columns to The Royal Train by resident Yvonne Richards whose family has had a long connection with service on the Royal Train.

There was such an overwhelming response that there were enough squares to make an extra quilt, so it was back to the Town Council to apply for another small grant!

Local resident Sue Gatehouse had the long job of putting the squares on the heavy background. Meg Vischer made the wheel logo based on a design by Denise Ilett.

The Quilts were unveiled by the Mayor of Milton Keynes, Councillor Alan Pugh, accompanied by the Lady Mayoress, Mrs Irene Pugh, on the Arts and Heritage Day on 4th May at the Old Bath House. Guests included participants, funders and invited guests, including local MP Dr. Phyllis Starkey. Ownership of the quilts is with Wolverton & Greenleys Town Council. The quilts can be loaned for different community venues in the parish. Interested parties should apply to the Town Council.