A CRAFT group, which has raised about £100,000 since it began, has celebrated a milestone anniversary this year.

The Farleigh Hospice Tiptree craft group, one of four groups which help the charity, turned 20 in April and held a special meeting to mark the occasion.

The group makes everything from toys and baby clothes, to adult-sized jumpers, hats, gloves and scarves which they sell for the charity.

In 2019, the groups from Braintree, Witham, Chelmsford and Tiptree raised £16,378 for the hospice.

In the two decades the groups have been running, it is estimated they have raised more than £300,000 through their combined efforts.

Farleigh Hospice Tiptree Craft Group stall selling items to fundraise for the hospice 2019

Farleigh Hospice Tiptree Craft Group stall selling items to fundraise for the hospice 2019

The virtual celebrations included members of the Tiptree group joined by the charity’s chief executive Alison Stevens, commercial director Pauline Harvey-Jones, and digital fundraising officer Caroline Smith.

Sheila Gunson, Tiptree group leader and founder of the Farleigh Hospice craft group, said: “We wanted to mark the occasion despite the current restrictions by having a virtual celebration.

“We haven’t let the coronavirus pandemic prevent us from fundraising - I’m a WI lady, nothing stops me!

“The current situation hasn’t hindered our crafting or prevented us from booking in events for when restrictions are lifted.

“I hope that when we can all meet again in person all four Farleigh craft groups can get together for a lovely lunch as a belated anniversary celebration!”

Tiptree group member Pauline Swindle said: “Being in the craft group is such a valuable experience.

“You come away from meetings feeling like you’ve spent time with good friends.

“In addition to the crafting, there’s lots of conversation and laughter.

“I’d like to say a big thank you to Sheila Gunson for leading our group for the last 20 years.

“She does so much for us and does a fantastic job of organising our meetings and events.

“She has even become our ‘fabric fairy’ during the pandemic - sourcing material and delivering it to our doorsteps during each of the lockdowns.”

The crafters have been very busy during 2020 and still have plenty to sell at events this year.

Hospice commercial director Pauline Harvey-Jones said: “We are so thankful for our Farleigh Hospice crafters.

“They are very talented, creating wonderful items to sell in order to raise money.

“Their efforts help us to continue to provide vital care and support to those affected by life-limiting illness in mid Essex.

“We are incredibly grateful for all of the time and support they have given over the last 20 years, and we wish them a very happy anniversary.

“We hope to be able to join them in their in-person celebrations later in the year.”