Tartaraghan Women’s Institute welcomes new members and hears from Project Linus co-ordinator Betty Fiddes
Tartaraghan Women’s Institute welcomed three new members and heard from Project Linus co-ordinator Betty Fiddes, who has been instrumental in introducing the charity to Northern Ireland and co-ordinating its work across the province.
Members of Tartaraghan Women’s Institute enjoyed an informative and inspiring meeting in October, when President Kathleen welcomed everyone and was particularly delighted to introduce three new members to the institute.
The guest speaker for the evening was Mrs Betty Fiddes, Northern Ireland co-ordinator for Project Linus (UK). Betty explained that the organisation was founded in America in 1995 and introduced to the UK in 2000. Project Linus is a network of volunteer knitters and quilters whose mission is to provide warmth, comfort and security to babies, children and teenagers who are sick, disabled, disadvantaged or distressed through donations of new, handmade washable blankets and quilts.
Betty first encountered the project while attending a Quilt Festival in Birmingham with a local craft group in 2009. Inspired by what she saw, she brought Project Linus to Northern Ireland and has since become a passionate ambassador for the charity. Through talks to craft groups, church organisations, community groups and Women’s Institutes across the province, she has encouraged many people to support the initiative.
Today, Betty co-ordinates the distribution of blankets, quilts, matinee coats and hats to a range of recipients, including neonatal units, the Children’s Cancer Unit, the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children and the Baby Basics project based in Mullavilly Parish Church.
She also highlighted the work of volunteers who knit “trauma teddies”, which are supplied to the Ambulance Service and Police Service for children affected by accidents and other traumatic incidents. More recently, crocheted blankets have been donated to patients in the Bluestone Unit at Craigavon Area Hospital.
President Kathleen thanked Betty for her interesting and inspirational presentation and commended her dedication to the important work of Project Linus (UK).
The competition for a pincushion was won by Elizabeth Stevenson, with Valerie Neill in second place and June Matchett third.
The supper prize was won by Caryll Trouton.
Following supper, business matters were discussed before the meeting concluded with the singing of the Countrywomen’s Song.