MOREE Quilters turned a few needles as well as a few heads at the recent Moree Show, and the group is now actively seeking new members to join the fold.
Publicity officer, Jean Gall, said Moree Quilters’ – one of the district’s unsung charitable groups – currently has 16 members.
Weekly meetings are held Tuesdays at Moree Masonic Hall on Heber Street between 10am and 3pm.
“We would love to welcome new members. There is a roster for morning tea and everyone brings along their own lunch,” Mrs Gall said.
The group was formed 35 years ago by Moree TAFE teacher, Yvonne Overton, and during subsequent years, beautiful pieces have been created that have been donated to many charitable causes.
“I did a Patchwork and Quilting Certificate course in 1990 and Yvonne encouraged us to join the group,” Mrs Gall said.
“As well as making items for family and friends, we have contributed quilts to charities and people in need.
“Westmead Children’s Hospital in Sydney was one of our first charities and at the moment we are making bags for Ronald McDonald House in Tamworth as well as beanies, quilts and knitted or crocheted items for the young patients and their siblings,” she said.
The specially-crafted bags for young patients at Ronald McDonald House are used to hold books, pencils and colouring-in crayons.
“We also send quilts to the palliative care ward at the Wesley Hospital in Brisbane,” Mrs Gall said.
“The palliative care ward and Ronald McDonald House are used by Moree residents frequently.
“The renal unit at Moree Hospital has also received some of our quilts, as have individuals in the district after fires, floods or the loss of a loved one,” Mrs Gall said.
The group’s incredible work is seen across the plains, including Tourism Moree Visitor Information Centre, where the centenary quilt and town crier’s cloak are proudly displayed.
“One of the biggest projects was the quilt displayed at Tourism Moree, and made to celebrate 100 years of Federation,” Mrs Gall said.
“We also made a magnificent cloak worn by our town crier, Tony Baxter-Tomkins, at the National Town Criers’ competition in Moree, where it won the prize for the best outfit – much to our delight,” she smiled.
Tourism Moree CEO Julie Rushby said the federation quilt adorning the Tourism Moree Visitor Information Centre wall was always a talking point for visitors.
“I don’t think a day goes by that somebody doesn’t come in and admire it, especially the detail,” Ms Rushby said.
“We quite often have conversations about not only how well it’s made, but the actual design and how well it captures the Moree Plains Shire.”
Moree Quilters’ projects showcase aspects of life in and around Moree, and promotes the town and district to a wider audience.
“Over the years, we’ve had several tutors come to Moree to teach us extra skills to improve our techniques,” Mrs Gall said.
“During that time, we’ve also had several exhibitions at Bank Art Museum Moree.”
The group has expanded to include members interested in knitting, crochet, embroidery and cross-stitching.
“We have become quite diverse in our interests and enjoy a very happy, social setting as well – lots of laughs and discussion on many topics,” Mrs Gall said.
MOREE Quilters’ Group
When: Every Tuesday
Where: Moree Masonic Hall on Heber Street
Time: Between 10am and 3pm
New members welcome
Contact Marie on 6752 2008
