Walgrave woman will keep making masks until she can't get any more elastic

A woman from Walgrave has said she'll keep making face masks until the pandemic is over - or when she can't get any more elastic!

When the Northants Telegraph first reported on Vera Smith a few weeks ago, she had made about 100 face masks for family and friends all around the world.

Since then, she has added to this total and has now made nearly 300 face masks with no intention of stopping anytime soon.

Vera said: "I will keep going until this pandemic is over or until I cannot get any supply of elastic."

Vera is really keen for her face masks to go out far and wide to help those who need them the most.

And while she is giving them away for free, anyone who receives one can make a donation to a cause close to her heart.

All the masks she sends away have a note enclosed which says: 'This mask is free. If you like to contribute to the cost, a donation to Walgrave Church would be much appreciated.'

And Vera added: "I am a strong supporter of our village church.

"Since the lockdown, we have had great difficulty to raise much needed funds for major repairs.

"So, with the mass masks making I am 'killing two birds with one stone' or pleasantly phrased as helping two causes with one action.

"Furthermore, sewing and making thing is very relaxing for me.

"It is my stress therapy."

Since her teens, Vera has been turning her hand to many different crafts, with all her skills being self-taught.

The mother-of-three also owned a haberdashery shop in Kettering at one time.

She now focuses on tailoring and alterations for friends, family and people in Walgrave and the surrounding villages.

She has also made costumes for places such as The National Trust as well as more local establishments such as dance schools.

Vera's face masks have gone out to a range of people, including local residents, her hairdresser, a local pharmacy, village bin men, friends/acquaintances within The National Trust and friends who work within the medical field.

Vera has also made some masks for the police, which she made in black.

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