A slice of North Devon arrived Summer 2022

Following our exhibition at The Landmark Theatre in March, a group was of inspired locals got together to create an Ilfracombe Quilt. It arrived in July and now joins the collection for our winter tour into 2023.

The group were supported by Caz Turner who is the Youth Theatre Director and Community Coordinator.

It’s a gentle quilt in many ways, capturing the atmosphere of a rural coastal town. But as you let the sea and sunshine wash over you there are also the tell-tale signs of a coastal town struggling with the consequences of the Lockdowns and also the cuts to NHS and Social services. Rural counties like Devon are struggling as more hospitals are cut in order to centralise services in the larger acute hospitals.

One of the group says:

“Ilfracombe community hospital has lost its in-patient beds, its Minor Injuries Unit has been closed since Covid, though a weekend paramedic service was set up for the summer. Many treatments and procedures are only available in Exeter, over an hour away by car, and other services even further away in Plymouth or Bristol.

The nearest A&E, 12 miles away in Barnstaple (the most remote hospital in mainland England), was under threat of closure but thanks to the efforts of campaigners and supportive health professionals (and a much-needed change of hospital Board) its future seems safe – at least for the foreseeable future.

Mental health services are much reduced yet the need is greater than ever. The fight for a sustainable public health service continues. Ilfracombe has lost so many services over the last 10 years and we can’t afford to lose any more.”

Threads Of Survival is grateful to the Landmark Theatre for inviting us to the wonderful glasshouse auditorium on the seafront. The Ilfracombe Community Quilt is a wonderful addition to the collection and now joins the exhibition this Autumn.