A COMMUNITY project has been launched to create a tapestry to reflect the life and the history of the Ethandun area.
The tapestry is the idea of Edington resident and parish councillor Sandie Lewis, who was inspired to start the project after a visit to France.
Sandie explained, “About 18 months ago, a friend from the village and myself went to Bayeux to see the tapestry and when I got home I was talking to my husband about it and he suggested that I do an Ethandun tapestry as we have so much history here with the battle, the Priory and other things. I thought that it would be a really nice community project to do something like that.”
After sharing her idea with friends and neighbours, a group of villagers created a working group and applied for local grants to help pay for materials and to fund an event to raise the profile of the tapestry and to recruit more members.
“There are currently eight panels, with seven in progress and one already completed by the pupils of Holy Trinity C Of E Primary Academy in Great Cheverell, who got involved through their headteacher, Mrs Henning, who lives in Edington,” said Sandie. “The students have created a panel about King Alfred the Great and the battle of Ethandun.
“Other panels will reflect the flora and fauna of the area, the Priory, the Three Daggers pub and the old railway.
“I want the tapestry to be about life in the Ethandun area from the time of the battle until the present day.
“It’s about a year’s work I estimate. There is still time for people to get involved and we would love more people from outside Edington, in the surrounding areas to join us; anyone who is interested, the more the better, young and old.”
A decision as to where the Ethandun tapestry will be displayed will be made when the tapestry is near its completion.
The tapestry group will be hosting another workshop on Saturday 28th April for anyone who is interested in joining the project. The group will be joined by former chair of the London Quilters and textile artist, Lucy Poloniecka, who will offer guidance and expertise. The workshop will start at 10am and finish at 1pm with lunch, which is included. To book your place at the workshop or to enquire more about the tapestry project, email Sandie at SandieLewis@live.co.uk.
Above: Sandie Lewis (left) with students of Holy Trinity C Of E Primary Academy and teaching assistant, Mrs Heath, and their tapestry panel ‘King Alfred the Great and the battle of Ethandun.’
