Ollerton mum and nursery manager helping NHS staff and keyworkers with aprons and headbands

When the Paper Moon Day Nursery at Forest Town closed down in March, its manager Andrea Baker wanted to do something to help he NHS during the Covid-19 crisis.

Andrea, who is 48, decided to offer Kings Mill Hospital the nursery’s unused disposable poly aprons.

The nursery had around 800 spare red and white aprons in stock which it uses when serving children’s meals or changing nappies.

According to Andrea, the aprons were ‘gratefully received’ and this prompted the married mum of two teenage boys to turn her attention to making colourful PPE face shield headbands.

Andrea, who sews for a hobby, often makes cushions and children’s mobiles for the nursery, went online and found a pattern for the headbands.

She said: “I love to sew anyway, I’am always making things for the nursery, so I decided to have a go at making headbands, they attach using buttons and elastic, and people getting sore ears when wearing face covers for long periods.

“I have used all types of material, I have even been cutting up old duvet covers! The ladies in a community group at Ollerton donated a great big bag of buttons, which they left on my doorstep, which was really kind.”

So far, Andrea has sent 17 of her headbands to Kings Mill, 15 to City Hospital and 25 are in production (to be split 10 and 15) between two nursing homes in the Ollerton area.

She added: “The staff at the Paper Moon nursery are really missing looking after the children, but we have tried to help keep them amused during the lockdown by posting easy craft and activity sessions online.

“We have also posted on a video of the staff on Facebook to let them all know how much we miss them and we can't wait to see you everyone again soon.”

If anyone wants headbands contact Andrea via the Paper Moon Forest Town Facebook page here.