Midsomer Q’s free, annual 12x12 Exhibition will be open every day until 21st December as Christmas approaches. This is the fifth year that the quilting shop, based on the site of Norton Green Farm Nursery, Chilcompton, has held an exhibition of this kind, which features a Silent Auction to buy the pieces on display, this year raising money for Dorothy House Hospice.
Each year, friends of the shop are invited to take part in the 12x12 challenge, creating a quilted square on a theme, with this year’s being ‘Poetry, Rhyme or Verse’. Some are available for sale, whereby silent bids are made, with the chance to vote for your favourite three without parting with any cash.
However, the money raised this year is particularly inspired by Dorothy Kirk, who joined an informal group of quilters who meet every Friday at Midsomer Q.
Dorothy had previously owned a bookshop in Bath, and with retirement, became a volunteer for Dorothy House. Earlier this year, she sadly became a patient with Dorothy House before passing away. She was working on the 12x12 challenge and was keen to finish it in time for the exhibition. Organisers received her entry in August, a few weeks before she died.
Dorothy’s entry hangs pride of place at the beginning of the exhibition, where organisers say, “She was a gentle lady, with a great sense of humour. She made a lasting impression.”
Last year’s 12x12 exhibition raised £4,000 for charity, with entries from across the globe who have associations with the shop. It is estimated around a thousand visitors will come along during this time to view the entries. Midsomer Q is open from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday to Saturday and Sundays 10 a.m. – 4.45 p.m. Don’t forget to bid or vote for your favourite!