Young women from Newhill Youth Group are working with older people from the area to produce a memorial quilt to remember past members of Newhill.  The project is facilitated by the Workers’ Educational Association (WEA) as part of the Older People Learning project and Age Concern NI. 

The group, who designed the quilt themselves, are learning a number of sewing techniques including appliqué and embroidery and are working with different fabrics and materials.

Work on the quilt began in April and it will be launched at the West Belfast Festival in August.  One young woman Stacey Meenan who is involved in the project explains why they chose to produce the memorial quilt.  “We wanted to find a way to acknowledge past members of Newhill who have sadly passed away.  Having seen some quilt work at other events we thought this would be a lovely way to remember past members that could be put on show in the centre for everyone to see.  It also gave us an opportunity to work with the adults in our community to learn new skills and share our experiences”

WEA Development Officer Carolyn Hale commented, “Intergenerational projects such as this help bring generations together to learn and promote greater understanding respect between generations.”

Sadie Reid manager of Newhill Youth and Community Centre explained how they intend to develop an older people’s group as a result of this project.  “This project has been very successful in involving older members of the community in the centre.  They have enjoyed working with the young people and helping them to develop new skills.  We are very keen to start a senior group within the centre and to continue with the weekly meetings.  The older people involved hope to take part in other projects and learning opportunities available.”

One older person commented how she felt “privileged to be involved in a project like this.”  She added, “It was nice to be asked to be involved by the young people.” 

For further information on the Older People Learning project contact Carolyn Hale on (028) 9032 9718 or email carolyn.hale@wea-ni.com.