Volunteers at Ratley Scrubs Club working eight hours five days a week to make scrubs for the NHS

Ratley and its surrounding villages have become a hive of industry during the lockdown with 'needlefolk' contributing fabric and their skills to make scrubs for the NHS.
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Ratley and its surrounding villages have become a hive of industry during the lockdown with 'needlefolk' contributing fabric and their skills to make scrubs for the NHS.

Around a dozen volunteers have come together from Ratley and some of its surrounding villages like Radway, Edgehill, Upton and Warmington to make a Scrubs Club.

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Given the risk of infection, everyone working on a hospital site has to have three sets of scrubs so that there is one being worn, one in the wash and one ready for an emergency.

Sheila Jones then Monika Morgan at furthest at the cutting table and Adrienne Obard at the ironing board at the Ratley Village HallSheila Jones then Monika Morgan at furthest at the cutting table and Adrienne Obard at the ironing board at the Ratley Village Hall
Sheila Jones then Monika Morgan at furthest at the cutting table and Adrienne Obard at the ironing board at the Ratley Village Hall

Each set includes a tunic and trousers with pockets, a hat, a headband and a laundry bag, so stitchers of any skill level can contribute.

The headbands are made with two side-buttons to accommodate an elasticated face-mask to protect the soft tissue behind the ears that is too tender to withstand an eight hour shift.

Within 24 hours of the first appeal to the community for good quality cotton / polycotton sheets, the local coordinator Sheila Jones found she could no longer reach her front door, so the Trustees of Ratley Village Hall offered her the use of its space.

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The foyer of the Ratley Village Hall is now the drop-off point and the place where volunteers can pick up patterns and pre-cut sewing packs for the smaller items to make at home.

Scrubs made by volunteers with the Ratley Scrubs ClubScrubs made by volunteers with the Ratley Scrubs Club
Scrubs made by volunteers with the Ratley Scrubs Club

In the main hall, Sheila leads two other volunteers, Adrienne Obbard and Monika Morgan, who work widely separated at their machines for six hours each day.

In the first week of operation, the Ratley Scrubs Club has produced 10 sets of scrubs, 21 caps, 23 bags and three head bands.

As more volunteers from neighbouring villages come forward, the sewing machines are whirring, the pattern-makers and pack-cutters are snipping and the hospital staff are being kept safe.

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The volunteers are now serving five days a week from 10am to 6pm, and don't see it ending soon.

More items for the NHS made by the Ratley Scrubs ClubMore items for the NHS made by the Ratley Scrubs Club
More items for the NHS made by the Ratley Scrubs Club

Anyone who has more cotton or polycotton sheets, duvet covers or pillow-cases ready to donate organisers are asking if they can be delivered washed and ironed as the fabric can be used immediately without the team spending time in pre-prep.

Please bring any donations to the Ratley Village Hall foyer, which is open from 10am to 1pm and 3 to 6pm.

Sheila said: "We are enjoying what we are doing and the NHS is getting the rewards it deserves."

*A message from the Editor:

Volunteers with the Ratley Scrubs Club at the Ratley Village Hall (photo taken by Wellesbourne Police Safer Neighbourhood Team SNT during a visit to the village hall)Volunteers with the Ratley Scrubs Club at the Ratley Village Hall (photo taken by Wellesbourne Police Safer Neighbourhood Team SNT during a visit to the village hall)
Volunteers with the Ratley Scrubs Club at the Ratley Village Hall (photo taken by Wellesbourne Police Safer Neighbourhood Team SNT during a visit to the village hall)
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