History

The Seeds were Sown in 1980

In 1980 Joan Vesper and Pam Plumridge became interested in Patchwork after visiting the Irish Patchwork Exhibition 1800-1900, mounted by The Quilters' Guild in Somerset House.

They had really gone as it was an opportunity to see inside Somerset House but when they saw the patchwork they were hooked.

The Guild couldn't direct them to a local group where they could learn more about it so they formed their own. They put a notice in Clare House Primary School to see if anybody was interested and as a result nine prospective members were invited to meet at Joan's house to discuss how to get started.

By the second meeting the numbers had grown to twenty one, this became thirty two and meant a move to Pam's house where she had a larger room.

They named the group 'Beckenham Quilters' and started a Sampler group quilt.

The meetings became very successful and the group grew steadily. They worked on group quilts and charity quilts while helping one another with their individual pieces.



Later Dinah Travis and Pat Salt joined them bringing inspiration and knowledge and offering workshops for the members to join.

Then followed displays and sale of their work in various halls and schools in the area.From 1984 meetings with a visiting speaker were held in the Methodist Church, a tradition which continues to this day.

In 1990 the first committee was formed and 1997brought their first Area Day and when numbers reached forty five the monthly meetings were moved tothe Large Hall at the Methodist Church.

Since it began the group has made at least one group quilt each year as well as quilts for charity. Their first Exhibition was held in the church in 1981 since when it has been held in the Autumn biennially.

To date there are about fifty quilts in the group's collection along with a couple of suitcase collections.

Joan and Pam have an interesting collection of memorabilia including newspaper cuttings, the Catalogue of that first Irish Exhibitions, photographs and the yearly programme cards plus there are folders of photographs in our library.

Thanks to Joan and Pam for getting all the information together.

The large collection of group-made quilts go in and out of exhibitions and can go on loan to speakers and teachers as long as they are booked well in advance.