A TIGHT-knit group of community quilters in west Dorset are putting on an exhibition this weekend for the first time since the pandemic.

It promises to be an extra special occasion with Eype Schoolroom Quilters celebrating their 15th anniversary.

Diana Harvey, co-organiser of the event, said it was good to be back: “The last fair was held in June 2019 and we used to hold them every two years and this is our fifteen year anniversary. It’s something that we really missed during the pandemic because, obviously, we could still do it in our houses but it was impossible to do as a group. It’s a lovely community to be part of and we always want to get the best out of each other.”

One of the founder members of the group, Diana Davis, passed away in 2017 as a result of motor neurone disease.

At the event, running at St Peter's Church in Eype today and tomorrow, the group will be hosting a raffle in support of West Dorset Motor Neurone Disease Association and the Friends of St Peter's Church with a quilt made in Diana Davis’ memory.

Ms Harvey said: “When she was no longer able to sew the group took over the hand sewing of a quilt started by her for her daughter in law and finished it prior to her passing away.

"Being a small friendly group it was lovely to be able to do something together that was so emotional and it was decided we would make another similar quilt and raffle it for West Dorset MNDA.

"This quilt has been two years in the making again with lockdown holding things up as we could not meet or sit closely to sew.

"When we were allowed to meet up again there was a concerted push to get the quilt finished to unveil at the quilt show to be raffled.”

“We are also very pleased to be able to have the support of Bridport Round Table who have supported the initial project of the raffle quilt and have offered to match pound for pound any monies we raise up to £1,000.”