April's Our Town was a little different as the Belles had a chance to gawp at Michelle as a museum exhibit at the launch of The Covid Chronicle exhibition. Michelle was there as one of the contributors along with Carolyn and Elma from Kington Langley WI, plus Fi Redmond - also a Kington Langley WI member - whose scarecrow piece had inspired them all to take part [see centre and lower centre photos below - Ed].
Above: Carolyn and Elma with their Kington Langley WI piece, plus Fi Redmond (right) with Wendy Bliss, the Covid Chronicle's founder
They met at Sara Jayne's cafe first for coffee and cake before going on to the exhibition. Everyone got so caught up in the launch event, all the Belles ended upstairs for a spot of bubbles courtesy of the Museum. This was all alongside the official welcome plus a video of Wendy Bliss who explained what inspired her to think of a stitched response to the global pandemic.
The Happy Hookers were delighted to see their crocheted coronaviruses on prominent display in the cabinet and we hear they were much appreciated by the museum's visitors. There were other WI related pieces to see too in the shape of two by contributors from Bristol. [All these pieces are shown in the above collage along with a couple of general views of the exhibition - Ed]
Michelle's Covid Chronicle piece alongside Claire Houghton's from Corsham.
Here are some of the Belles taking it all in.
Sandy said: "I certainly must have had dust in my eye ; certain words and designs hit home and brought back both the difficulties and the strengths of the pandemic."
And Susan C said: "It’s a wonderful, humbling feeling looking at all those amazing pieces. Recommended viewing for everyone."
Here's what the Gazette and Herald had to say about it. You can catch up with the latest news about the Chronicle on its Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Note: The post's first image and the one of the Belles are courtesy of Chippenham Museum; and the photos of Carolyn & Elma plus Wendy Bliss & Fi are courtesy of Wendy Bliss.