Catcott village has produced an amazing tapestry to mark the strange year that 2020 has been.
Last autumn, Carole Melia came up with the idea, and teamed up with the Catcott Village Association and St Peter's Church to organise it. They started by inviting "everyone in the village to contribute to the creation of a permanent piece of art that reflects your images/reflections/feelings/experiences of 2020... Together we aim to create a unique tapestry that reflects our shared and individual experiences of what has been a life changing year for the village and the world. We have no doubt it will be beautiful and moving."
Overall, 42 different individuals, couples and families contributed panels. They were put together by Dee Eaton, who gave many hours to the project, while also working as an NHS nurse at Musgrove Park Hospital. The aim of producing something beautifiul and moving was very much achieved!
It is currently on display in Catcott Church and may be viewed while the church is open for private prayer (Tues, Thurs, Sun 10-dusk).
The stories behind the squares are also moving. Margaret Strickland (Red 4) wrote: "I was inspired by the sacrifice made by the young to protect the elderly and vulnerable." Katie O'Shea (Red 3) wrote "I learnt to crochet during lockdown, a skill I have put to good use to create a baby blanket since I found out I was pregnant".
Trisha Lashley (Yellow 2, above)) wrote: "The image of the little owl befriended by a new found neighbour whom we got to share so many outdoor summer evenings with"
Jill Tompkins (Yellow 6, the stencil of the bird above) wrote "My image of a morning sunrise reflects the sense of thankfulness I felt", while Hazel Millington (Yellow 7) was inspired by "A community acknowledging the dedication of NHS staff in caring for the sick and the caring of others by obeying the rules."
Linda Middleton (Blue 2, above) wrote "Dedicated to my niece Zara who passed away on Sunday 25th October. RIP". The dove in Blue 5 was created by Lou and Marieanne Mullet from discarded facemasks, which also reflects the reflects the doves of hope that were hung in the church porch and around the village last spring.
The daffodils (Purple 6) were produced by Caroline Hughes, who wrote "Daffodils for hope and new beginnings. Pansies for thinking about those who helped us. Forget-me-nots for the people we have lost, including our friend Anly (Jif) Elkins."
Jennie Thomas (Purple 7) wrote "Each sunrise walk reminded me of 'Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness'". [ref]