A well-known quilting expert, Ann Hill, BEM, was the guest speaker at a recent meeting of the Lockerbie and District Rotary Club. Alongside her husband David, Ann provided an insightful account of her extensive quilting projects both locally and internationally, as well as her impactful work with dementia patients. The event, which took place on Monday night, was attended by Colin Vooght, Assistant District Governor for District 1320, South Scotland. Ann Hill, hailing from Shetland, has established herself as a prominent figure in the world of quilting. Growing up in a culture that valued resourcefulness, she honed her skills in knitting and stitching from a young age, crafting items like Fair Isle gloves and lace scarves to earn money. Her interest in quilting eventually evolved into a passionate hobby, leading her to retire early and dedicate her time to volunteering in care homes in Dumfries and Galloway. Here, she worked with dementia patients and their families to create memory quilts, which proved to be powerful tools in sparking memories and initiating conversations among the residents. Ann’s interactions with dementia patients gave her profound insights into the condition, prompting her to advocate for greater awareness. She now conducts quilting classes for caregivers and individuals with memory loss, showcasing her unwavering commitment to supporting those affected by dementia. When the Covid-19 pandemic struck, Ann recognised the heightened sense of isolation experienced by many individuals and launched the Quilted Hugs project to facilitate communication and connection. In recognition of her efforts to raise awareness about dementia, Ann was honoured with the British Empire Medal in 2020, a testament to her significant contributions in this field. One of her notable achievements was overseeing the creation of 5012 quilts that covered the pitch at Hampden Park as part of a fundraiser and awareness campaign for dementia. Ann’s innovative projects extend beyond national borders, such as the Chinese Whispers initiative that engaged quilters from 40 countries in creating collaborative quilts inspired by one another’s work. Accompanied by her husband, David, Ann has exhibited these quilts and their accompanying messages in various countries to foster cultural exchange and understanding. Currently serving as the president of Dumfries Rotary Club, Ann continues to inspire others through her quilting endeavours, such as a commemorative quilt she crafted for the club’s centenary in 2021. Her leadership and dedication exemplify the Rotary’s ethos of making a positive impact in the world. Additionally, Ann conducted the club’s first lottery draw at the recent meeting, with Mrs Moira McDonald emerging as the lucky winner of £250. The evening concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ian Sloan, acknowledging Ann’s outstanding contributions and unwavering passion for quilting and dementia awareness.