downsmail.co.uk


Blanket project helps kniers and patients


AGROUP of pensioners has em- barked on a mission to have pa- tients in stitches – by knitting themblankets. Snodland’sAnnMacdonald(76),


Diana Inns (75), Joan Bavin (80) and Edith Bryant (91) say they were inspiredbyDownsMail after reading that patterned bedding helps older patients, particularly thosewith dementia, identify their beds on hospitalwards. Joan said: “We saw an article in


theDownsMail late last year about an appeal for colourful blankets for dementia patients in Maidstone Hospital, andwe got towork. “Producing the blankets is good


for patients and it’s also good for us. It givesus something todowith our hands, keeps our brains busy, and helps us socialise.” The ladies’ blanket operation is


already booming in Snodland, withmembers of the Extend Exer- cise Club in Rectory Close and


churchgoers at All Saints’ now knitting squares, which Joan and her friend, Sharon Vero, then cro- chet together tomake the bedding. Joan said: “Itusually takes about


twodays todo, andwe get ourma- terials andwool fromlocal charity shops.We thendonate the finished blanket toMaidstoneHospital.” Their hard work is already re- ceiving praise. Ward manager


Fromleft, Snodland knitters Ann Macdonald, Diana Inns, Joan Bavin and Edith Bryant


GeorgieDevaney said: “Wewould like to thank you for your generos- ity and time given to help us care for the patients on theward. “The blanketsmake a big differ-


ence to their wellbeing and make theward lookmore homely.” The ladies are now expanding


their operation by delivering blan- kets to Pilgrims View care home and Snodland charities.


News Towers talk


FRIENDS andmembers ofAyles- ford Historical Society are being urged to set their watches for a talk on British clock towers on Fri- day,May 3. The presentation will be in the


small hall at Aylesford Commu- nity Centre between 2.30pm and 3.30pm. Doors open at 2pm. For details, callAndrew Brown on 01622 717034.


Brownie call


DAWN Archer has put out a call to girls aged from seven to 10 who might want to join the Brownies. The EastMalling Brownie pack


meets every Tuesday evening during termtime. Formore infor- mation, email dawnarcher@btin- ternet.com.


Ring a bell


BELL ringers in East Malling are keen to show prospective new members the ropes. The group,which practises at St


James the Great Church every Thursday from 8pm , says every- one is welcome to visit and join on the night.Ask for Sue.


For all your heating and bathroom needs Newly refurbished


Showroom & Trade Counter NOW OPEN!


Malling April 2019


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