Different strokes for special folks

A colourful wall hanging depicting north Cotswold scenes will be taking pride of place in the High Street building thanks to one group of residents which is busy cutting, sewing and sticking as one to create the fabric masterpiece before the summer.

The scenes of Moreton, Stow, Bourton and other landmarks are being pieced together by members of an art group for people who have suffered a stroke - who perhaps thought they may not be creative with their hands again having experienced the nightmare of one day out of the blue becoming unable to do many things which they took for granted.

However, they have battled on and after the long process of coming to terms with their varying disabilities, have joined the group not only to be creative but for stimulation physically and mentally as they learn and relearn skills while enjoying conversation with their new friends.

The group is the result of a rare four-way partnership between the Stroke Association and social services, which provide transport and an occupational therapist, Gloscat, which provides an art tutor, and Cotswold District Council, which provides the premises.

It has now been running more than a year and a half and is proving a success, with new volunteers soon to start and members very much enjoying their Thursday morning sessions.

One, Mary Cleal, who lives in Stow, explained: "A number of us live alone and it's nice to get out and do something.

"I've done a bit of art before as a hobby but we've done something nice every term here."

Many of the members are giving it a go for the first time and have taken home picture frames, tiles, mirrors, boxes and all sorts of arts and crafts which have been of a very high standard.

Occupational therapist Sandra Hunkin and art tutor Corinne Hockley help members with some of the physical tasks - they were manning sewing machines when I visited - but they encourage the members to make their own designs and do as much as possible.

And they have all seen improvements in themselves and in each other since they started.

For instance, another Stow member, Carol Hanks, admitted she was concerned about using scissors on her own when she first joined in but now she is doing more and more.

William Kilpatrick, from Bourton, was a painter and decorator by trade and uses his craft skills to good effect in his art work.

He suffered a stroke at the age of 55, 20 years ago. Peter Cox, from Moreton, suffered a stroke four and a half years ago, just three weeks after he retired.

It was seven months before he could leave hospital but although he is still wheelchair bound, his speech and actions continue to improve, according to his colleagues.

He was also keen to stress: "This group has made a big impact on my social life."

The others agreed that the social aspect of the club and the process of creating their work was just as important to them than what they made at the end of it.

Sandra explained that after the initial shock of having a stroke, people need stimulation, company and tasks to keep themselves active but when they can't speak or move about very well, they tend to withdraw further instead.

Carol, who used to run her own shop business before she had a stroke, explained: "At first I felt very bitter and depressed.

"Also you do tend to stay at home more because you think people are looking at you."

Members said they felt self-conscious because they couldn't speak very well.

Sandra said: "At groups like this, members can talk and they're listened to more and they can improve their self-confidence and that can generally make them feel better.

"The group's been very successful."

All the members are now busy working towards a deadline before summer term on their fabric wall-hanging which should make an impressive sight. Watch this space for what will be a work of art and also a record of Cotswold history.

The stroke art group has a number of vacancies for new members.

Anyone interested can contact the Cotswold District Council Moreton office for details.

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