An exhibition marking 40 years since Goosey Quilters has opened in Tavistock.

Tavistock Town Hall is currently festooned with vibrantly coloured quilts, displayed in rows, on the stage and hanging high up in the rafters.

It features quilts made by members across the years.

The event is designed to appeal to all ages with a children’s ‘hunt the goose’ trail and the opportunity to have a go at needlework. Visitors can also contribute their own designs to a quilt to mark the Goosey Quilters' 40th anniversary by drawing their own mini picture.

Goosey Quilters chair Karen Robinson, affectionately known as Mother Goose to members, said: “We’re very proud of our members and what we contribute to the community. This is an amazing display of members’ creativity, skills and imagination.”

The exhibition will raise funds for Tavistock Youth Cafe through an entrance fee and the sale of refreshments and small-scale works.

On display are quilts made by the group for Project Linus which donates them to sick and disadvantaged babies and youngsters.

The group was formed by Jane Brown, Sarah Ackland and Lynne Hatwell.

One the earliest quilts on display is a Plymouth Argyle tribute, while a banner intended as a tablecloth was upgraded to mark the 40th year. A 30th anniversary banner has a tea party design as the group fittingly marked that occasion with a tea party.

Karen added: “The Goosey Quilters show how needlework can bring people together. We’ve seen so many friendships created and flourish. We still have members of more than 30 years. We had an influx of members during Covid.

“We’re always learning and attracting younger members who want to learn the skills their grandmothers knew, but many mothers have lost.”

The Goosey Quilters’ exhibition is on today (Thursday), Friday, and Saturday September 10, 11 and 12. The exhibition is open until 4.30pm today and the open tomorrow, Friday, and Saturday from 10am-4pm.

Goosey Quilters group members at their Tavistock Town Hall exhibition including quilts for Project Linus which donates them to sick and disadvantaged babies and youngsters.
Goosey Quilters group members at their exhibition with quilts which will be given to Project Linus to be donated to sick and disadvantaged babies and children. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
Karen Robinson, Goosey Quilters group chair (Mother Goose), at the community needleworkers' exhibition in. Tavistock Town Hall. The handmade geese provided a game for child visitors.
Goosey Quilters chair Karen Robinson, affectionately known as Mother Goose, at the exhibition. The handmade geese provided a game for child visitors. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
Refreshments are served by the Goosey Quilters group at the community needleworkers' exhibition in. Tavistock Town Hall.
Refreshments are served by the Goosey Quilters at the exhibition. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
Visitors admire the colourful creations of the Goosey Quilters group at the community needleworkers' exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
Visitors admire the colourful creations of the Goosey Quilters group in the town hall. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
The colourful creations of the Goosey Quilters group hang high at the community needleworkers' exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
The Goosey Quilters’ creations hanging high in the rafters. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
Visitors attracted by the creations of the Goosey Quilters at the community needleworkers' exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
Visitors admiring the artistry looking at the quilts. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
A table over flowing with works for sale by the Goosey Quilters at the community needleworkers' exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
A table overflowing with works for sale at the exhibition. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
Visitors can contribute their own designs to a quilt to mark the Goosey Quilters' fortieth anniversary at the community needleworkers' exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
Visitors are being invited to contribute their own designs to a quilt to mark the Goosey Quilters' 40th anniversary at the community needleworkers' exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
A collection of handmade fairy figures at the Goosey Quilters' fortieth anniversary exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
A collection of handmade fairy figures at the exhibition. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)
One of the earliest quilts at the Goosey Quilters' fortieth anniversary exhibition in Tavistock Town Hall.
One of the earliest quilts at the Goosey Quilters' 40th anniversary exhibition. (Guy Boswell/Iliffe Media)