A COMMUNITY group has collected more than 32 quilt squares to recognise a monumental year and remember those who have died.

Kirkbymoorside History Group decided to document the pandemic by creating a ‘coronavirus quilt’ with squares painted, knitted and designed by Ryedale residents.

Louise Mudd, a member of Kirkbymoorside History Group, said the group felt inspired to commemorate the pandemic at the beginning of March 2020, as the situation progressed from ‘bad to worse.’

“Listening to the news and watching the virus spread across the world, it was obvious the situation was progressing from bad to worse and a lockdown was imminent,” she said.

“People in the community likened the pandemic to the First World War, saying it will be a monumental part of history.

“The pandemic has been like nothing else in our lifetime. That being said, Kirkbymoorside is a strong community full of supportive people.

“We initially launched a diary scheme in March 2020 to document the range of emotions throughout lockdown.

"Someone then suggested, why not play on the wealth of creativity in Kirkbymoorside and make a quilt of remembrance.

“The response has been really positive with community groups, families, children, grandparents and Kirkbymoorside Surgery offering ideas and creating quilt squares.

“We saved a large panel on the quilt to stitch around 40 names of individuals who have lost their lives and couldn’t have a proper funeral due to restrictions.”

Kirkbymoorside History Group is hoping to showcase the quilt at the Kirkbymoorside Mini Spring Fair, on April 14.

The Pickering Hedgehog Rescue, Amotherby Cat & Kitten Rescue and Ryedale Dog Rescue will also be attending.

“Cross-stitching all the quilt squares together was a dread, but our volunteer Emma did a fantastic job,” added Louise.

“After the preview at Kirkbymoorside Spring Market, we are hoping to find a permanent home for the quilt.

“We have also been collecting diaries, memorabilia and photographs over the year.

“This is an unprecedented event and the resources will be valuable for future generations to see how our lives have been affected.

“All too often, important invoices, books, records, photos, film footage or memorabilia is discarded.”