CELEBRATING 143 YEARS
The 2008 Church Kneeler Group
The idea of making kneelers for the Church originated from St Mary’s
Mothers’ Union members in the autumn of 2007 when it was felt that this would
be a good project for ‘dark winters nights’. The first meeting of the group took
place in January 2008. Around 6 people were expected to attend; instead there
were 14, of whom 2 decided that they did not have enough time to commit to the
task. The group set a target date of 11th May; the Sunday before St Mary’s 140th
birthday and the Sunday the Bishop of Jarrow will preach the Deanery Evensong.
The task began with designs being selected and colours chosen, by which time
another 6 people had joined the group. Sowing began in earnest! Some of the
members of the group are skilled needlewomen, but, the majority had not
attempted needlepoint before; so were learning as they went along.!
As the work progressed, other members of the Church who felt unable to make
their own kneelers, asked to have one made for them; usually having a name sewn
into the front of the kneeler in memory of a relative or friend or simply to support
the project.
By the end of April most of the group had completed their work, with 24 kneelers
completed. To date a further 4 will be completed shortly.
The group have accomplished production of a colourful and varied range of
kneelers; each beautifully worked . They will be an asset to the Church for many
years to come!
Perhaps next winter when the dark nights return the group may undertake to add to these kneelers which are displayed at the front of the Church!
