PIECING TOGETHER MEMORIES

A landmark ‘memory quilt’, a tribute to the phenomenal work of the Long Eaton Scrubbers in supporting the NHS, will be showcased at Erewash Museum when it re-opens on Tuesday 18th May.  The Long Eaton Scrubbers, founded by co-ordinator Angela Manson, consists of over 40 women and girls who had never met, and came together in the first lockdown in March 2020 to make much needed items for NHS care workers after seeing a comment on social media highlighting the lack of scrubs. When the need for scrubs, bags, headbands and ear protectors reduced; 540 scrubs sets were distributed to hospitals, care homes and surgeries, a remarkable achievement. To mark their incredible journey, the group set about creating a special quilt with scrub fabric and by June 2020, exactly 3 months after the UK went into lockdown, they had not only helped and supported the NHS and care sector, but finished a memory quilt ready to be displayed around the borough which is a colourful commemoration of the pandemic times. Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, says

 “Of all the initiatives that have taken place during the pandemic in the borough, this is one of the most heart-warming and uplifting projects I have seen. The determination of these ladies to help provide our NHS care workers with much needed scrubs and other protective equipment is a shining example of how the spirit of Erewash has been used to full effect. The idea of a memory quilt to commemorate their shared experiences is lovely and I encourage everyone to visit the museum, safely, and take a look at their incredible creation.”

 The museum’s opening times are Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays between 10.30am and 3pm - with admission by advance booking only to ensure the safety of everyone. The safety of visitors is paramount and a range of covid-secure measures are in place. Contact Erewash Museum on 0115 907 1141 or email museum.bookings@erewash.gov.uk Visit Facebook/erewashmuseum