The Quaker Tapestry, Kendal in Cumbria

Wed, 18 Mar 2009 17:29:22 GMT

The 2009 Quaker Tapestry Roadshow had a special feel about it from the start. From the initial approach from Caroline Jarvis, Administrator of the Minster, back in early 2008, we really felt that a warm welcome awaited us in Southwell – and we were not to be disappointed.

We were given lots of space to stretch out in – in fact we had to bring several new blue boards to complete the circle of the exhibition area. There was enough room to expand the embroiderers’ corner and to make a special display of the techniques and stitches used in the panels. Everything was assembled in record time and the day of the special Launch Event dawned on Friday, 30th January.

…….. And what a good time we had. Gillian Clarke (our guest Opener), John Guille the Dean, Anne Wood (representing the Society of Friends) and Bridget Guest (our General Manager) all gave interesting and articulate speeches – and quite a lot of the great and the good of Nottinghamshire were present to hear them. The following day, more than 500 people visited the Roadshow and we thought that things were really off to a great start. Then the next day …….. the snow came and Southwell and its environs were gripped in an icy claw which lasted for the next week or so.

Despite this slight setback, the number of visitors who visited the Roadshow eventually stood at a staggering 11,401. They were looked after and guided by a fantastic team of volunteers, both from the local area and from further afield. This Roadshow stands out as having a database of some 162 willing bodies, who offered their help at various times during the month. A total of 27 groups booked in to come and see the panels, and several more arrived unannounced. On some days, there were so many people wanting to come in that we had to ask them to form an orderly queue and wait a while.

We were surrounded by a huge blanket of goodwill from everyone with whom we came into contact within the Minster. Vergers, canons, Refectory staff, Minster guides and stewards and many others, went out of their way to show how pleased they were that the Quaker Tapestry had come to Southwell. It seemed that nothing was too much trouble and there was no problem that couldn’t be solved one way or the other.

A BIG THANK YOU to everyone who was involved in making the Roadshow successful!

« Back to news list