Janet’s Coronavirus vision becoming reality

Janet's Coronavirus vision is taking shape

Community-spirited Janet Iles is turning people’s vivid and poignant memories of lockdown into a colourful mosaic of the Corona pandemic.

She came up with the novel idea after discussions with Canon Sharon Jones, Saddleworth team rector, Hilary Edgerton, assistant priest and other local church leaders

Said Janet, who lives in Diggle: “In early April, the Clergy Team were seeking a project which we could encourage everyone to get involved in, to record memories and images of lockdown.

“The idea born to create ‘Corona Squares’- corona also means crown and as Christians we have Jesus as our king. It was an ideal way to make a positive response to our experiences and instead of being negative about it all, we could celebrate this time and give thanks to God.

“We hoped many people would get involved and produce a material square which we could create into a banner or collage to display locally, either in our churches more widely in the community.”

A plan asking parishioners to create a finished square either 20 x 20cm or 10 x 10 cm was circulated asking specifically that if the square of material was likely to fray, it should be cut slightly bigger and the edges either sewn or stuck for neatness.  

Now, the the project deadline set for Monday (August 31) more than 20 squares are completed and ready for display.

“Everyone is able to take part.  There is no age barrier, and we have also suggested a family might like to create one together, or maybe some of the children would like to do one of the smaller squares as well.  

“Everyone is free to put whatever they like on their square. It could be buttons, lace, sequins, images in paper, felt tips or paints, or just words...  anything they felt reflected their feelings about Lockdown and the virus.  

“Some people have written poems, including my husband Geoff, and these are laminated or sewn onto felt and he was delighted with the results. 

“I shared this and other squares on our WhatsApp Kilngreen Church group and this has encouraged Lynda Barlow who attends Kilngreen Church to come forward with her Coronavirus poem which has been decorated into the banner.

“Another of our congregation, Suzanne Bradshaw also made a video film of all the square which displayed on our Whatsapp group.

“I have a box outside my front door for people to leave their squares. It would be helpful if they were labelled and if people want to say a few words about their square we hope to display these as well on the finished banner.”

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