In the spotlight

The “Postcode Advertiser” interviewed one of our trustees, Avril, about supporting the local community and how Rosie in Stitches benefits the Rosie hospital.

Avril loves to support the work of The Friends of the Rosie Maternity Hospital. She has been an enthusiastic volunteer for the hospital since 1993 and is part of a loyal team of knitters and crocheters who make children’s clothes and toys to sell under the name Rosie in Stitches. Rosie in Stitches has a group of 60 volunteers to knit items that The Rosie Hospital wards need for the babies.

The Friends of the Rosie Hospital are enthusiastic volunteers whose aim is to improve the services the hospital provides by raising money for items that the NHS does not buy. They have a loyal team who make children’s clothes and toys to sell under the name ‘Rosie in Stitches. They are interested in the comfort of all Rosie patients. In the community they supply midwives with state-of-the-art equipment.

 

Meet Avril Williams, 62, a longtime Cambridge resident of 42 years, who loves to support the community.

What do you love most about living in Cambridge?

There are lots of historical and artistic places to vi

sit and things to do.

What’s your favourite thing to do on an autumn day?

Walking in the woods listening to the sound of leaves crunching under foot, the wind blowing the trees and birdsong. Smelling the petrichor and late blooms in the air.

Restaurant recommendation?

The Olive Tree Cafe at Oakington Garden Centre. It is a nice place to rest if I have been energetic enough to walk there. The homemade quiche and cakes are delicious and great calorie replenishments after a hike.

Favourite secret hotspot?

Madingley Community Orchard for solitude and to pick blackberries for jam making!

Can you tell us more about how you contribute to the local community?

I support several charities, visiting for CamSight, volunteering with Special Olympics but most of the time liaising with The Rosie Hospital to find out what items the wards need for the babies.

Tell us more about Rosie in Stitches – what service does it offer and how can residents participate?

The Friends of the Rosie Hospital are enthusiastic volunteers whose aim is to improve the services the hospital provides by raising money for items that the NHS does not buy. They have a loyal team who make children’s clothes and toys to sell under the name ‘Rosie in Stitches. They are interested in the comfort of all Rosie patients. In the community they supply midwives with state-of-the-art equipment.

If you can spare a few hours a week or wish to donate, they would be happy to hear from you. Rosie in Stitches has a group of 60 volunteers to knit items that The Rosie Hospital wards need for the babies. We also make other commissions received by customers through our website. We have in person stalls at various village community markets.

 

We have several more requests for funding, so any donations will be gratefully received. All the money raised goes to the Rosie.