A well-loved ‘dragon’ will be taking flight to raise funds for the Wales Air ambulance.
The crocheted dragon, named Ffleur, has been popular with local children since Rosemary Stow put it on display in her craft shop window, Quillies.
Since 2022, many people have asked if they can purchase the dragon. Due to the fact it took Vicki Gregory, from Aberedw, 80 hours to make the beautiful design, Rosemary said she ‘couldn’t put a value on it’ and couldn’t bring herself to part with it.
Rosemary said: “The dragon has had lots of attention. People keep wanting to buy it and so far, I’ve refused. It is well loved by locals and visitors alike, but I feel it is time for it to find a new home – hence the raffle.”
The raffle will take place at the largest award-winning Wool Natural Fibre Festival in Wales and the UK, Wonderwool Wales, at 3:30pm on Sunday 27 April. The tickets are priced at £1 each.
If you can’t make the event, which is held on the Royal Welsh showground, near Builth Wells, tickets can be purchased either from Quillies or by contacting Rosemary on 07791 603486.
Reflecting on why she wanted to raise funds for the Wales Air Ambulance, Rosemary said: “I decided that it would be appropriate to hold the raffle at Wonderwool Wales because the Wales Air Ambulance is the chosen charity of Wonderwool, and they were happy to agree to the idea.”
The beautiful Quillies shop, has a variety of textiles, art, jewellery, photographs, prints and ceramics from a host of talented makers but Rosemary felt she wanted a centrepiece for the shop window. That’s when Vicki came up with the idea of bringing Fleur to the Rhayader shop and the dragon was introduced to the customers and locals.
Rosemary stated that she had no idea that the centrepiece would become so popular. She added: “I wanted something to grab people’s attention and visitors love it. Local children love it and it’s always a talking point. They make ‘rawr’ sounds every time they pass the shop.”
In the raffle a Wales Air Ambulance propeller quilt is the second prize. The quilt was made by Gwenda Taylor, from Gwynedd, in memory of her special cousin Delwyn Williams.
He was a paramedic, ambulance liaison officer at Ysbyty Gwynedd, and volunteered for Mountain Rescue. Donations from Delwyn’s funeral were split between the Wales Air Ambulance and Mountain Rescue.
Gwenda is no stranger to making beautiful large quilts, last year she made one in aid of the RNLI, which raised £600. In memory of Delwyn, Gwena made one in the Wales Air Ambulance colours using a pattern called Propellor.
The third and fourth prizes are small, crocheted dragons, as well as craft prizes.
The raffle is already proving to be popular. Rosemary said one couple from Kent who holiday in the area regularly and always visit her shop have already bought 60 tickets for the popular item.
Kate Thomas, Regional Fundraising Manager for mid Wales said: “How wonderful is it that Ffleur the dragon is being sold off to raise funds for our Welsh flying dragons, who continue to be there for the people of Wales when they need us most. Ffleur is a much-loved dragon in the area, and you can see the hard work and hours that Vicki put into it too.
“Gwenda has also made a beautiful quilt in memory of her cousin, Delwyn. The raffle prizes are much loved items, and I hope people show their support to the ladies by buying some tickets.
“We’re touched that both ladies have chosen to raise funds for our Charity, Wonderwool Wales has been a great supporter of ours and we’re delighted that the dragon and quilt will be raffled at the event.
“The Wales Air Ambulance needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road. Fundraisers, like this one, will help us to reach that yearly target, thank you so much.”
The Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury. It is delivered via a unique Third Sector and Public Sector partnership. The Wales Air Ambulance Charity relies on public donations to raise the £11.2 million required every year to keep the helicopters in the air and rapid response vehicles on the road.
The Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service (EMRTS) supplies highly skilled NHS consultants and critical care practitioners who work on board the Charity’s vehicles.
This advanced critical care includes the ability to administer anaesthesia, deliver blood transfusions and conduct minor operations, all at the scene of an incident.
As a pan-Wales service, its dedicated crews, regardless of where they are based, will travel the length and breadth of the country to deliver emergency lifesaving care.
