The Chapter House at the Cathedral is currently hosting a vibrant exhibition of quilts as part of Refugee Week (15–21 June). Many of the quilts were produced as part of a group which supports refugees in Evesham. Bishop Hugh visited to hear more and bless the exhibition.
Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees started in 2017 in response to refugees arriving in the area fleeing the Syrian war. Since then, they have worked with over 500 asylum seekers and refugees from across the world, many of whom were housed in a hotel in the town. They have worked with Quilts for You to offer a weekly sewing group for some of the women and children, providing them with a safe space to come to as well as new skills.
Ros Gowers heads up Evesham Vale Welcomes Refugees. She said: “The ladies' sewing group has been a lifesaver for many of the refugee families. It has provided a place where they felt safe and part of the community, where they can learn and develop skills and show through creativity what they could bring to the world. When the women come through the door, it is like someone has taken the weight off their shoulders. They can just be who they are – it’s lovely to see and a joy to be part of.”
There are six ‘Worcestershire Welcomes’ groups across the county, which offer friendship and personal support to refugees and asylum seekers. The exhibition in the Cathedral was organised with the support of Worcester City Refugees, which has put together a week of events in the city.
Bishop Hugh said:
“This is a really wonderful exhibition. The quilts are more than just things of aesthetic beauty - sewed into them are stories of those that created them. It is a privilege to bless the quilts and the hands that sewed them. I pray that the sewing group will continue to be a place of hope and hospitality for all who need it.”
A special quilt was presented to Misan McFarland for the support she has given to the group. She said: “We are family and I love looking after all those who come through our doors. I hope that we can continue to do so and do it well!”
Genet is a refugee from Eritrea who came to the UK in 2023. She said: “I live in Evesham with my two children. The sewing group was a great help when I first arrived in the town. They helped me with my English and were very supportive.”
Lilly came to the UK as an asylum seeker from Jordon, where she would be persecuted for being a trans female. She said: “I left everything when I came to the UK, but I can now live my life as I want to live it rather than hiding my true self. At the women’s sewing group I was immediately made to feel welcome; they showed me so much love and care. In return I’ve enjoyed volunteering with the group, helping with translation and whatever else I could do. It’s been a really lovely experience.”
Curate in Evesham, Prajna Pal-Lad presented Bishop Hugh with a piece of fabric stitched by the ladies of the sewing group. She said:
“The square of fabric features special stitches as a reminder of lives that have been broken and then recreated through fabric and love and thread. The women’s sewing group in Evesham is a place of safety and belonging for people who come with nothing. Through the group we can show them God’s love.”
Sharon Gresham leads Quilts for You, which has been making quilts for charity for a number of years. She wanted to give the refugees quilts and also offered to start a sewing group. She said:
“Many come to the group without being able to speak English or having sewed before. They are often quite terrified when they first come through the door. We are able to sit them down at their own machine and teach them to sew with those who have been there a while supporting those who are new. We often become grandmother, mother, aunt or friend, helping to build up their confidence. The quilts are exhibited and sold at shows and that helps us to fund the project. When they arrive every woman and child gets a quilt, which the child also receiving a soft toy and then the women are given a sewing machine when they leave – all of which have been donated to us.”
The exhibition in the Cathedral is open until Sunday 21 June.
