Andrew recently met with the fantastic Marshlands Sewing Brigade.
Andrew explains, "It is an absolute delight to be supporting the recently formed 'Marshlands Sewing Brigade' who have raised money to make scrubs for our local NHS hospitals. Myself and local Councillors, Caroline Fox and Liz Sargeantson, are actively supporting the group.
"The 'brigade' was formed when my Senior Caseworker and East Riding Councillor and Reedness Parish Council Chairman, Liz Sargeantson, read that Fran Ward, dress designer and seamstress was thinking about making scrubs for Goole Hospital. Reedness Parish Council donated some money to purchase fabric and then posted on Facebook. The scrubs will in fact be used across all three NLAG hospitals.
"Liz and Parish Clerk, Sarah Belton, were inundated with offers of support to sew or to donate money to the cause. Many offers to sew came from outside the Marshlands and Liz and Sarah knew the Parish Council could not afford to completely support the group with PC funds.
"Thanks to a collective joint effort, thousands has now been raised. Goole Town Mayor, Cllr Josie Head, made a generous donation of £500 from the Mayors Fund. Rawcliffe Parish Council were equally generous, donating £500 along with Swinefleet, Goole Fields and Twin Rivers Parish Councils all making generous donations. Marshlands Agricultural Society donated £1000, alongside a number of local businesses and individuals. We have also made a donation to this fab local effort.
"Under the expert guidance of Fran Ward, a former lecturer on fashion and design and wedding dress designer and seamstress, the first scrubs have already been put together!
"Thank you so much to everyone who has helped with this including the business in Hull who provided the patterns for free and also to the label company all the way down in Birmingham who heard about the scheme and produced and donated the lovely labels.
"Well done to this incredible army of sewers from across the Marshlands and Goole area and beyond! Makes me proud to represent our area.
"I have been given the task of delivery driver for the group and will be taking the finished product to our local NHS Trust. I think that makes me the muscle!"
Photo: Andrew, Fran Ward and Councillor Liz Sargeantson
