Covid memorial quilt goes on show in Plymouth
It was the idea of MP Luke Pollard, and it's on display at his office
A special quilt going on display in Plymouth today to remember people the city lost during the pandemic.
It was the idea of MP Luke Pollard, who asked for people to sew patches to help them reflect on their experiences during lockdown.
They've now been sewn together into a quilt, which is on display at the MP's office on Frankfort Gate.
The MP for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport, said, “We remember all those we lost in the pandemic and those key workers who kept the city running during this incredibly difficult time. I don’t want their sacrifices and contributions to be forgotten and that’s why the Plymouth Covid Quilt was created. I’m incredibly grateful to everyone who has sent in their fantastic squares and shared their personal reflections.
“So many of the designs capture how grateful Plymouth continues to be for the tireless work of NHS staff and other key workers. Several focus on the hobbies that people started to get through the isolation of lockdown, making the most of online technology or the joy of reconnecting with nature.
"The technique of quilting, by its very nature, is all about stitching different materials together into a beautiful patchwork. That’s why I hoped this would be a fitting medium for how the different sectors of Plymouth’s community came together in a hugely difficult time. Please pop down to Frankfort Gate and have a look.”
The contributors included letters about the memories which inspired their designs.
Kim, who moved to Plymouth in 2017, reminisced on the importance of her neighbours: “On 9th May 2020 during lockdown we had a socially distanced street party to commemorate VE day on the anniversary. We had a lovely day and it cheered us all up. Throughout the pandemic we have stayed a close and supportive community.”
Freyja, a year 10 student at a local school, wrote “Spending most of lockdown in hospital and doctors' practises made me appreciate the amazing work the NHS constantly carry out and how their efforts to protect us won’t be forgotten.”
One patch was submitted on behalf of Hartley House Dance Club: “Our design features a Silver Swan serenely swimming on a lake. This symbolises all our beautiful dancers who, with the help of their weekly online ballet classes, swam through the Covid storm to the calm waters of the lake beyond.”