Gearing up for Coombs’ 100th anniversary next year, French Creek Community School supporters are putting together a special quilt.
Colleen Lucas explained they’re inviting anyone with memories of the school, including former students, parents and staff, to create a 8” x 8” memory square for the project.
The French Creek Heritage Quilt Project will bring 100 of the memories together into a quilt for the school to do with as they like. The school hasn’t decided yet if they’ll auction it off as a fundraiser or display it.
People need to contact the school for $5 starter kits with the square of material and directions. The money goes towards covering expenses.
The individual blocks can be pieced, embroidered or appliquéd and people are encouraged to get as creative as they want, as long as the finished square is machine washable.
The quilters will also be asked to write down a description of the represented memory which will be compiled into a memory booklet, available to all participants.
They are planning to do some work sessions in November, dates yet to be set, to help people who want to take part but aren’t confident in their quilting abilities. They are also looking for experienced quilters to help out.
Almost half of the squares are already gone so people should contact the school soon. Lucas points out the school will close July 6 for the summer, and the remaining squares won’t be available until September.
There is a firm deadline of January 6 to get the squares back and they hope to get most of them earlier, the sooner the better.
The Coombs 100 Celebration will take place next May, but activities are already taking shape and the school — a community focal point — is drumming up funds and excitement. They are is still looking for ideas, business involvement and volunteers.
For information, to volunteer, or start your memory square, contact Rose-Ellen at the school at 250-248-9921 or rograham@sd69.bc.ca.