Rhayader WI

On Sunday 5 April after seeing an appeal on Facebook for NHS Scrubs bags, Rhayader WI (Powys-Radnor Federation) President Christine wondered how she could get her members in lockdown to help. Rhayader WI was continuing as a WI by having meeting emails, keeping their WI Facebook page updated and doing buddy phone calls to keep in contact. Christine rang a few of the machinists in their craft group - ‘Crafting Cousins’ - to see if it was possible to help and they agreed to have a go!

Pillowcases were the best option for urgency and quantity and members all had a few spare ones. In less than 24 hours, 30 bags were made and ready to go, with a group of machinists waiting to do more. Christine sent all members an email requesting machinists, pillowcases and fabric, with a challenge to make 100 Scrubs bags. Supplies of pillowcases and cotton fabric were not only provided safely by fellow WI members but also the Rhayader community, local hotels, B&B's and charity's, with cord being donated by Hafod Hardware and CCF Rhayader.

Christine was overwhelmed by the response of her members and the Rhayader community to her challenge. In two weeks, 10 members have made over 300 bags while another member has been sewing scrubs. Members have proudly supplied Llandrindod Wells Hospital, The Heath Hospital Cardiff, Llanidloes Hospital, Ambulance stations at Llandrindod Wells and Llanidloes, District Nurses, and have answered to requests from nursing/care homes.

Thank you to everyone who has been involved, donated, made and transported the bags around safely! Rhayader WI members will continue to make these bags for as long as there is a need and they have supplies to do so.