I'm so happy to be writing this post today. My friends from all over the World as far as Australia and New Zealand to America and Canada have been supporting me all year round with my SIBOL project. Back in January I asked if anyone wanted to make and donate 6" Crocheted or Knitted Squares, so I could make them into Blankets for the Elderly in Nursing homes in the UK. I thought initially of making 6 Blankets if I could, to-date I have made 44.
During the past two weeks I have been getting our Blankets ready and today I visited St. George's Home near to where I live in Shirley, Solihull to hand out 9 of our Blankets.
I first of all rang the Home to ask if they would be interested in receiving our Blankets. I spoke to Magda - The Manager and arranged to go in at 10.30 this morning. While speaking to her I gave her the SIBOL web-site address so she could see for herself our beautiful Blankets.
My Husband Colin unfortunately could not come with me due to work comittments but he took some photos of me with the Blankets before I left.
The Blankets were ready........ It was time to leave.........
I arrived at St.George's Home
As soon as I stepped through the main doors, I had a nice feeling about the Home. The Staff were most friendly and I was invited into Magda's office. I sat down and Magda asked me if I wanted a cup of tea. I then told her about SIBOL, explaining how I had initially thought of the idea and telling her all about my own Grandmother who lived to the age of 103. I then went on to tell her how I had asked my on-line Friends if they wanted to help me. I explained to her that the Squares are sent to me from all over the World and she was amazed. Magda said that she had looked at SIBOL, and she said how nice the Blankets were.
It was nice to chat to Magda because I found out a lot about the Home. It is such a caring environment for the Residents. Activities are organised with the Activities Organiser and everything is done to make the Residents comfortable. I was shown around the Home and introduced to several of the Residents, even speaking to one Lady about her Knitting. It was lovely to see she had her wool by the side of her! Magda also took an interest in my family, I told her about my Brother living locally with his family and how my Mother still rides her bicycle at 80!
I then went and fetched the Blankets in from the car, everyone said how beautiful they were. I asked if I could have some photographs taken for the SIBOL web-site so you all could see. I do like to share everything with you. It's important to me that you know I have delivered the Blankets as promised.
One of our Blankets was presented to Mrs. Marjorie Turton. Marjorie is going to celebrate her 100th Birthday next March. Magda very kindly rang her family to ask permission for Marjorie's photograph to be taken and to be shown on our web-site. They agreed and here's the photo.
What a lovely photo of Magda and Marjorie, thank you so much!
Magda with the Blankets.
I asked Magda how she would give the rest of the Blankets out. We both agreed that the rest of the Blankets would be given to Residents who very rarely have visitors. This was my idea back in January. I know my own Grandmother was very lucky to have Family and Friends visiting but I know there are many who aren't so lucky.
To everyone that has very kindly sent me Squares 'Thank You' from myself
and also 'St. George's Home'.
Also a 'Big Thank You' to Magda and her Staff for making me feel so welcome.
I now have to deliver the rest of the Blankets over the next few weeks.
London 
'Crafty' November 2013.
