Thanet and District Quilters is the umbrella organisation for all the patchwork and quilting groups in the Thanet Area. We have been in existence for over 15 years.

It all started with an idea by members of a group called Thanet Patchers, based in Ramsgate. Under the leadership of Eileen Radford who now lives in France - as does Alex La Croix another founder member - meetings were arranged at the Ramsgate Community Centre. Other local Thanet patchworkers were contacted and invited to join in.... and so the Thanet and District Quilters was born. The first committee was formed in August 1991.

Membership and Meetings

We now have about 100 members and meet three times a year at Church House, Kent Gardens, Birchington. Our meetings are very informal and friendly and open to anyone who enjoys the art of patchwork and quilting whether or not they belong to a local quilting group. We have a regular programme of speakers both national and international. In choosing them our committee tries to reflect current trends in patchwork and quilting techniques and the wishes of our members.

Our "show and tell" sessions are famous. The quality of the work is outstanding and we have among our group members several national and international exhibitors and prize winners. We are very proud of them and the quality of the work they produce.

Several friendly and helpful traders are regularly invited to "set up shop" at our meetings and some have been with us for many years. Also we constantly update our library with the latest books and instructive DVDs and we will always source a particular book if members ask.

Newsletter

Our regular newsletter has contributions from members and is full of useful information about forthcoming events and future programmes. The introduction of this website means that the newsletter is now available on-line as well. Very handy if you've mislaid a copy! The website also has a news page where latest news, coming events and even members "sales and wants" can be featured.

Supporting charities

We have an on-going programme of quilt making for charitable organisations. All members take part, contributing blocks made in their groups and every year we present our chosen charity with some outstanding quilts for auction or raffle. For example, in 2006 we presented our local Cancer Care Appeal with four beautiful quilts. Publicity is always arranged as a "thank you" to all those members who participated in putting the quilts together on National Quilting Day. We have other days when members are invited to sew together for other local charities. These days are full of fun with good food and company .... and a great sense of achievement when we hand over our lovely quilts at our next meeting.

If you want to know more about Thanet Quilters or would like to come to one of our meetings please contact me. You will be assured of a friendly welcome in a warm and happy atmosphere.

Kay Horne, Chairperson.