St Mary's Church KneelersThis article is included by courtesy of the Pirton Magazine, where it was first published and the authoress was Jennie Jarrett |
A larger image can be viewed by double clicking on the pictures below.
The Kneeler Project started with an Open Meeting on 1st February 1994. What seemed like a dreary afternoon changed when nineteen ladies arrived at the Vicarage doorstep welcomed by Pauline Potipher. The kettle was on and tea was served. Ideas soon flowed and there was a general air of anticipation and excitement, tempered with individual feelings of inadequacy at the thought of the actual sewing.
Pauline, together with Angela Kefford, Sheila Gibbon, Fran Manning and Bette Woodward had researched the project in advance, visiting many churches and receiving a great deal of help and encouragement from Mrs Doris Landreth who had organised a kneeler project in Willian.
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| Commissioned by Millie Walker "In Memory of Triss". Design based upon Church window arid two flower arrangements. Made by Irene Measures | Commissioned by Mary McDonald. "In Memory of Mabel McDonald’. Design based on Monet’s "Poppyfields’. Made by Irene Measures | Commissioned by the Pumpkin Club. Made by Valerie Souster |
Many of the folks who bravely decided to work a kneeler were complete novices. However, one only has to look at the beautiful display in this Church to see the hidden talents. We have a number of people who just cannot stop making kneelers - and have completed 3, 4 or more! Gradually the designs have become more elaborate; perhaps for two reasons - the expertise gained and the experience of realising that too much blue background becomes rather boring to work.
We are delighted that the kneelers are adding to the social history of the village. Many important sites are represented such as the church, school, village hall, the pond and individual houses. Gradually more and more of Pirton's inhabitants are recorded by both their occupations and interests both individually and as part of the many thriving groups in the village. Past Pirton folk and their relatives are remembered in poignant dedications, as are the new generation of babies born in our village.
| We now have 74 kneelers completed, with at least thirty more being worked. Early 1996 was another milestone when the altar kneeler got under way. This was an enormous task. It was divided into six sections, each of which was equal to about three kneelers! We had five ladies and one gentleman working on these. Their enthusiasm was magnificent and the altar kneelers were dedicated in 1998. |
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Jean Ray and Jennie Jarrett took over the Project in 1995 when Pauline and John left the village to retire. We have a meeting once a month on a Thursday afternoon, to which everyone is welcome. If you are not already involved, why not come along or contact Jean on 711061 or Jennie on 712282. We can help with designs and have a number of technically minded experts we can call upon to help translate your ideas into a workable design.
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| Commissioned by Pirton Parish Council. Design based Pirton Village sign. Made by Irene Measures | Commissioned by Douglas Lake "In Memory of Alice Lake". Free design incorporating swallows and daffodils. Made by Irene Measures |
The dedication of 11 kneelers on 19th October is a tremendous boost to the Project. We do thank everyone for their hard work and tenacity to keep going to finish these beautiful, artistic works. So many visitors comment upon the kneelers in our beautiful church, and we hope that the kneelers will continue to grow in number and reflect our pride in our church as the centre of our delightful village.
There are two small blue books we keep in the church as you enter on the right hand side, by the hymn books. These are a record, with photographs, of all the completed kneelers. If you wish, you can take these record books around the church and look at the kneelers with all the information showing the background to the subject, the dedication and those who kindly made and donated them.
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| Commissioned by Joe Titmuss "249 Squadron". Design based on photograph of Mosquito aircraft. Made by Irene Measures | Commissioned by Alice Lake "In Memory of Harry Lake" Design based on stained glass window hanging. Made by Irene Measures |
Is there anyone else in the village who would like to become involved with a kneeler? You may wish to become one of the many who have worked a kneeler. Alternatively, if you do not have time to work one yourself we do have some stalwart ladies who would be willing to work a kneeler of your choice. This would be dedicated to whoever or whatever you wish - a group, a person, friend or family. The cost of a kneeler is £25, which covers the materials, wool and making up.
We plan to recommence our monthly meetings (following the holiday break) on Thursday 21st September. This will be from 2.30pm at Sawford Cottage, Great Green. There is always tea or coffee; some are sewing, some just come for a chat and some people use the time to collect wool or for advice and ideas. Do, please join us.
The first kneeler completed since our recent dedication has just been handed to me by Serena Bierrum, such beautiful work - thank you. We do hope we will soon have sufficient kneelers to have another dedication. If yours is lying around unfinished, do please get it out and follow Serena's example.