AN upper dale volunteer who has been isolating since March is saying thank-you for the support she has received from a farming charity by helping to make hundreds of face masks.
Frances Easby said those featuring sheep are among the most sought after, with proceeds going to Utass (Upper Teesdale Agricultural Support Services).
Ms Easby, from The Hude, has been self-isolating since March because of a heart condition and said she was delighted to help Utass.
She said: “Each week on a Wednesday, Utass are delivering meals to people who are isolating.
“There is no charge and I thought how can I pay them back?
“So, when masks became compulsory in shops, I thought that’s it.
“I started about a week ago. The first day they put them in they were sold out.”
Ms Easby, who learned how to sew from her grandmother when she was a child, has not only found a market for the masks at the Utass offices, but also further afield.
She said: “Even my brother in Northern Ireland said send some over here and I had a lady get in touch with me from Chester.
“She had seen it on Facebook so four of them have gone off to Chester. But the idea was to prepare the masks for Utass.”
Mrs Easby said Utass’ work through the Covid crisis had been invaluable.
Apart from the meals, which includes two mains and two desserts, each Wednesday, Utass staff also ring round every Monday to make sure those who are isolating are not in need of anything.
Mrs Easby said: “It is only ten minutes, but it is a chat.
“As long as I have lived in the dale they have always looked after each other – so you should never feel isolated really. I have the most incredible neighbours who come by every day and take the dog for a walk.”
People can buy their masks from Utass’ offices in Chapel Row in Middleton-in-Teesdale.
