Hero of the Moment – Our own shoal!
We’ve been shouting about the amazing efforts of heroes across the nation who have been doing their bit for others during these uncertain times. This week, it’s time to turn our attention to our own shoal – as we’re celebrating the incredible voluntary work of none other than our lovely staff members.
A special ‘fins up’ is in order for members of our Weird Fish design team, who have been spending their spare time making 100 sets of masks and scrubs for NHS staff at Gloucester Hospital, as part of a special project.
The project was kickstarted by Julia Davies of ‘Create Gloucestershire’, a network for the arts and cultural sector in Gloucestershire, and Margaret McDonough, a senior lecturer on the BA fashion course at the University of Gloucestershire. Following the lockdown announcement, Julia and Margaret came together to plan a scrub and mask-making initiative, helping support NHS staff dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.
Margaret set aside sewing machines at the University and called upon some former BA fashion graduates, as well as workers from local fashion businesses (including our brilliant Weird Fish team) to get involved.
Over the past weeks, the volunteers have been working hard and using their impressive sewing skills to create sets of masks and scrubs, using donated fabrics from shirt maker Emma Willis and voluntary scrub-making groups Scrubhub.org and Helping Dress Medics.
100 sets of scrubs have been crafted already, with plenty more to come as our talented team continue volunteering their time. We’re so proud of our wonderful staff and their efforts – go team shoal!
Sewers include; Sophie Dryden, Jess Lambert, Dan Adlem, and three former students Emilie Watts, Kate Smedley and Sarah Hopper.
