At the time, Terrance lived in Eastling, near Faversham, Kent, and was a member of the Faversham-based Swallow Quilters. About eight quilters met at his house on the first Thursday of each month to make quilts for charities and worthy causes. At the same time, another group met in Aldington, near Ashford, Kent. Between them, the two groups have - to date - made well over 1,000 quilts of all sizes, colours and styles.

Many of their quilts have gone to the national Fostering Network charity (the successor to the National Fostercare Association) and, through them, have been given to children all over the British Isles. Other recipients have included Maidstone Christian Care, the Pilgrims Hospice on the Hill, the Martha Trust and various women's refuges.

In 2004, Terrance moved to Walmer - and now the Helping Hands carries on at his new home. Many of the original members now come along each month to keep up the good work and enjoy a day by the coast.

When he lived in Eastling, Terrance organised a Helping Hands Day in the local village hall about four times each year. Having settled in Walmer and joined Viking Quilters, he is hoping to do the same thing with members of Thanet Quilters.

The first local Helping Hands Day was on September 9th 2006 at St James Church in Garlinge. This proved very popular and a second day was held at Walmer Parish Hall, Dover Road, Walmer on Saturday, January 13th 2007.

More are planned and you will find details on this website and in the Thanet Quilters Newsletter.

As with all quilting days, good food, conversation and friendship are as important as the sewing. And with Helping Hands, there's the immense satisfaction that many of the resulting quilts are a powerful morale booster for others who may be in need or at a very low point in their lives.