Face coverings for everyone in Dundela
The Creative Craft Group from St Mark’s Dundela, has given away hundreds of fabric face coverings to parishioners and the local community.
The ladies have invited people to take what they need from a washing line at the church hall, no strings attached. They may leave a donation if they wish.
A steady stream has visited the colourful little line strung across the railings. There’s a colour and pattern of covering for everyone, including children.
The line goes up outside the Heyn Hall on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-12 noon to coincide with the opening of the parish office.
And on Sundays, a line goes up at the entrance to church so if anyone would prefer to worship with a face covering, they are welcome to take one.
Reaching out
“As lockdown went on, our rector approached us and suggested that we might reach out to the neighbourhood with our sewing skills,” says Craft Group member, Karen Doyle.
“It turned out that several of us were already making face coverings for friends and family, so we began to swap patterns, got to sewing, and the face covering project was born.
“Anyone who sews has a lot of fabric at home so there hasn’t been any cost. Elastic has been the hardest thing to come by.”
And whilst fundraising was not the main aim, around £1250 has been left in the parish post box over the last eight weeks. The money has been helpful in preparing the church building for a return to worship which has included the purchase of a new projector and screen.
Demand
As the mandatory wearing of face coverings in shops in Northern Ireland becomes ever more likely, the ladies are aware that demand may increase.
“We want to sustain this while the need is there, so we go at a pace that’s enjoyable. To us, it’s lovely to take a piece of material and turn it into a finished product in a short amount of time. There’s great personal satisfaction in that.”
So, for the foreseeable future, there will be face coverings available at the Heyn Hall on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9-12 noon.
The rector, Canon Helene Steed welcomes you. “Our own parishioners and those who live immediately in the neighbourhood have come already, so please do come and take what you need off the line.”
Finally, some advice from seamstress Margaret Mehaffey. You need at least three face coverings – one on your face, one in the drawer and one in the wash.
St Mark’s Dundela, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast, BT4 2DH.
