Aldborough Boroughbridge & Dunsforth WI

Debbie Rosher, a committee member of Aldborough Boroughbridge & Dunsforth WI (North Yorkshire West Federation) and a member of admin staff at the local GP surgery in Boroughbridge, currently in isolation due to health problems, were asked if the WI could help with a lack of scrubs for the clinical staff who were unable to order any through the usual channels.

Debbie sent an email to members of her WI asking for volunteers that could help with making scrubs. Once the word spread, she received an overwhelming response not only from members of her own WI but also from neighbouring WIs and from other local ladies. Everyone involved duly swung into action, making up their own pattern from a sample set of scrubs, ordered fabric online funded by the surgery and a team of 14 women (including three non-members) started cutting and making up the sewing kits.

Scrubs made and modelled by one of the WI members

The distribution of the kits and collection of completed scrubs from people living in the Boroughbridge area was a bit tricky but they had help from volunteer drivers organised via the GP surgery and a willing WI husband.

As a result, they have now delivered scrubs to four GP surgeries to which the staff have been incredibly grateful. As a wonderful side effect, this project has kept members busy while confined to the house and in touch with each other via phone, text, WhatsApp and email.

In total, the WI members and local volunteers have made 56 sets of scrubs and have since used up the offcuts to make 23 scrub hats which will be donated to the local hospital, and around 15 face masks for anyone in the community who requires them. If there is time, Debbie will use the smaller pieces to make bunting for the local GP surgery to hang and celebrate once the current crisis is over.

Well done to Aldborough Boroughbridge & Dunsforth WI and associated friends!