A COLLECTION of more than 20 lovingly worked quilts made by an Okehampton group has recently been donated to a charity which helps children all over the country. The Westbridge Quilters, which meets every second and fourth Wednesday in the month, have been making the quilts for Project Linus UK. The quilts will be distributed as ?security blankets? to children throughout Great Britain. Joyce Hill, of Westbridge Quilters, said: ?Project Linus was an American idea originally and a couple of years ago it took off in England. ?They started off giving blankets to children with leukaemia, which they could keep as their own until they died ? some were even buried with them. ?Now they?ve extended it to include children who are seriously ill or traumatised. ?It?s nice for us to make quilts that are going to help someone else. In the past we?ve also sent loads of quilts out to Kosovo, to old people?s homes.? A Project Linus label is sewn into every quilt or blanket provided by volunteers before being given to a child. The blanket will be with that child for ever and is never passed on. There are about ten members of Westbridge Quilters, who meet four a couple of hours to enjoy their hobby in a sociable setting at the Glenn in Castle Road. Joyce said: ?We?re only a small group but we?re a happy band.? At present, the group is working hard on craftwork in preparation for Christmas. Anyone who would like to learn more about their activities or who would like to join the group should call Joyce Hill on 01837 840433 or Kay Weeks on 01837 52800.
