Fruits of a labour of love

 

Friends of St Mary's Church, Cricklade, Wiltshire, U.K.

 

Chairman: Hugh Dudley, 4 Pleydells, Cricklade, SWINDON, SN6 6NG

Secretary: Gerry Dudley, 4 Pleydells, Cricklade, SWINDON, SN6 6NG

Treasurer: Tony Barratt, 13 Boundary Close, Stratton, SWINDON, SN2 7TF

 

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The Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard 30 Aug 2001

 

Fruits of a labour of love

Left to right: (Back) Bernadette Yarnold and Mary Pugh and (front) Pat Charlton and Helen Lee

 DELICATE early 20th century altar cloth has been lovingly restored by four women from Cricklade.

   It has taken Bernadette Yarnold, Mary Pugh, Pat Charlton and Helen Lee, all parishioners of St Mary's Church, nearly two years to complete the hand embroidery on the stunning piece, which now graces the altar in the ancient church.

   The cloth was originally designed and embroidered by

Cicely Butt Miller at the turn of the last century.

   It is understood that it was intended to be one of four wall hangings, but was later made into an altar frontal and given to St Mary's Church.

   In 1999, the silk backing was threadbare and careful restoration work was clearly needed. Louise Aitken allowed a room in Brook House, Cricklade to be used for the work.

   By coincidence, the house was

formerly owned by Thomas Butt Miller, husband of Cicely.

   The piece is very important to both St Mary's and Cricklade, because the beautiful floral work features the fritillary, for which Cricklade is nationally famous.

   St Mary's is holding a flower festival from September 8-9, so visitors will be able to see the restored altar cloth in all its glory.

 

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