800 Squares for 800 Years: Our Community Blanket is Complete! - 29 Apr 2026

We are delighted to share the wonderful news that our 800 Squares for 800 Years community blanket is now complete!

Created to celebrate the 800th Anniversary of the election of the first Mayor of Sandwich, this very special project has brought together knitters of all ages from across our community. What began as an idea from Age Concern Sandwich and the Sandwich Artisan Crafting Group quickly grew into a true town-wide effort, full of generosity, creativity and community spirit.

A Huge Community Effort
We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Hazel, Gill and the members of the Sandwich Artisan Craft Group and the many people who knitted squares, donated wool, and supported the project along the way. Every stitch helped bring this beautiful blanket to life.

A very special thank you goes to the children of Sandwich Junior School, who embraced the project with enthusiasm and worked hard to knit squares that are now proudly part of the finished blanket. It has been wonderful to see different generations come together to contribute to something that celebrates our town’s history.

A Special Handover to Sandwich Museum
Today marked a proud and memorable moment as Hazel Robinson of the Sandwich Artisan Crafting Group formally handed over the completed blanket to Dr Natasha Poljakowa, Curator of Sandwich Museum, in the presence of Sandwich Mayor Cllr Emmet Csuka.

From next week, the blanket will be on display at Sandwich Museum, where visitors will be able to admire the creativity and dedication of everyone who took part. The finished piece is not only a celebration of 800 years of Sandwich history, but also a lasting symbol of the strength and warmth of our community.

A Blanket with a Purpose
In keeping with the Crafting Group’s much-loved motto, “Don’t waste anything,” this project was always about more than creating a display piece. After its time in the museum, the blanket will be used to help keep people warm during the winter months.

This thoughtful plan means the project will continue to make a difference long after the celebrations have ended — offering comfort and warmth to those who need it most.

Thank You for Being Part of Something Special
This project has been a shining example of what can be achieved when a community works together. From the very first squares to the final stitches, it has been a joy to see so many people come together to celebrate our town’s remarkable 800-year history.

To everyone who knitted, donated wool, shared patterns, encouraged others to join in, or supported the project in any way — thank you. You have helped create something truly special that Sandwich can be proud of for years to come.