471 Gems

During Covid-19 Lockdown Joy Pitts has gathered the names of 471 workers and volunteers from the following essential services in Erewash: -

15 names were submitted from The Old Station Surgery; these include the practice nurse, receptionists, secretary, supervisor, medicine support, health care assistant, pharmacy technician and medical secretary. 48 names came in from Erewash Refuse Collection, these are drivers and loaders, John Brickles the supervisor commented as follows ‘I think this is a wonderful idea and would be very humbled to be included in your project.’ 13 Trent Barton Bus Drivers have signed up to be included; they have been providing a vital service in Erewash during lockdown.  51 NHS staff from Ilkeston Hospital are included and hold positions in community care, support workers, health care support, admin for the community, community Nurse, Rapid Response Nurse and Sister, team lead, physiotherapist and OT. 6 names from G. T. Edwards Funeral Care providing an essential service working many hours overtime. 5 names from the Recycling Centre at Ilkeston, once they were allowed to open they found work very frustrating not being able to help unload vehicles. 9 names gathered from Little Hallam Post Office including Postmen and counter clerks. 51 staff from the Morrisons supermarket in Ilkeston many whom have worked long extra hours to meet the demand. 14 names from the East Midlands Today BBC News team, although not directly in Erewash still providing Erewash homes with vital live updates about the pandemic. 5 names from The Nottingham Building Society, Ilkeston working with reduced hours but still providing a much-needed service. 6 names from Peak Pharmacy, making up prescriptions and providing counter shop medical services. 30 names from Stacey’s Bakery, a family run business very well known in Ilkeston they continued to bake during Covid-19. 14 staff from NatWest Bank Ilkeston unable to give out personal names, but included by their job descriptions. 12 Staff from the Wilko Store in Ilkeston, they have been providing essential shopping needs for Erewash residents. Following my interview live on Radio Derby I received 5 participants including a Police Officer, Ambulance Service, Children’s Home worker and volunteers. 15 Occupational Therapists working in Erewash Prevention and Personalisation Teams. 1 NHS Mental Health staff member. 10 staff from the Co-op Funeral Care in Stapleford and Long Eaton. 10 staff from Marks & Spencer, Ilkeston they have remained open during lockdown. 6 staff from Tesco Ilkeston. 6 staff from the Rocking Horse Day Nursery, they have been looking after essential workers children. 12 team members from The Pines Day Nursery also looking after the children of essential workers. 3 staff from Moores Flowers Ilkeston, they had just one driver to make all the deliveries as the older drivers decided to take Covid-19 retirement.  3 staff from the Well Pharmacy located on South Street, Ilkeston. 2 participants from family run South Street Fruit and Veg shop. 5 family members working at Martin Ogden Butchers South Street Ilkeston. 5 Paper Boys delivering from Stanley Post Office Erewash, also the Post Master and a volunteer delivering food since the beginning of lockdown. 7 members of staff from A W Lymn Funeral Directors in Erewash. Also included are staff from Moorleys Print Design & Publishing Ltd, Erewash Voluntary Action, Royal Mail, Ilkeston Fire Station, Erewash Borough Council, Willbond Plumbing Centre Ilkeston, Jonathan Pitts Heating and Gas Service Engineers, Heat Fit Plumbing & Heating, The Department for Work and Pensions, Cedars and Larches Care Home, Ilkeston Sewing Centre, U Choose Smoothie Bar, a window cleaner and an accountant. 

The remaining participants are volunteers, 4 are broadcasting live on Erewash Sound Radio, some are delivering food and many are supporting and helping people in the community, including the Food Bank at Kirk Hallam, 3 Kirk Hallam Church Reverend’s, St John’s Long Eaton Food Bank, Every One Eats Charity, Fred’s Food Friends Charity and Ilkeston Scrubbers making much needed PPE. 

The 471 names have been individually monogrammed by Joy onto discontinued woven clothing labels and attached to canvas using dressmaker pins.  Also included in the corona are used clothing labels, silk thread, a ladies diamante belt buckle and even a gold button that was found down the back of a settee in Ireland, all gifted to Joy during lockdown restrictions. On closer inspection you will also find nine toy soldiers and four Scouting Badges arranged as precious metals and decorative gems. The toy soldiers remind us of previous global crises and heroes fighting on the front line. The Nights and Hikes Away Scouting Badges highlight our need for outdoor activities, whilst the Promise and Friendship Badges speak for themselves and represent the kindness, help and support given by many in these difficult times.

Exhibition of ‘471 Gems’ at Royal Derby Hospital. Thank you Air Arts, University Hospitals of Derby and Burton NHS Foundation Trust, Royal Derby Hospital, Derby, DE22 3NE. Exhibition runs from Thursday 10th November 2022 to April 2023. Covid-19 restrictions apply.

Picture gallery including U Choose Smoothie Bar Window Exhibition, Erewash Museum Exhibition and Ilkeston Life publication 2021 (click to enlarge).