On Monday 26 July 2021 the Chairman of Rochford District Council Cllr Julie Gooding and Rev. David Redbond, Senior Pastor, Estuary Elim Church formally opened the exhibition of the Rochford District Heritage Tapestry.

The Tapestry is a fabric-based representation of significant events and local history over the last 1,000 years in Rochford District. Each parish within the District has its own story to tell and some aspect of each parish’s story is captured across the 10 Tapestry panels which together measure more than 10 metres long. The scenes were designed by local artists and historians, then interpreted by over 60 adults using a wide range of techniques, including embroidery, appliqué, knitting and felting. 80 local school children were also involved in some of the felt work. So although the finished product is not a “tapestry” in the true sense of the word; in the spirit of traditional storytelling, it is a charming representation of the District’s rich history: people and places, events and activities.

The inspiration for the Rochford District Heritage Tapestry is the infamous Stigand, who is featured on the most famous tapestry of them all, the Bayeux Tapestry. Stigand was the first priest at King Cnut’s Christian chapel in Ashingdon hill in 1020 - now St Andrew’s church. He later became Archbishop of Canterbury and is depicted on the Bayeux Tapestry at the coronation of Harold, and he also attended the coronation of William the Conqueror in 1066 although he couldn't actually crown either monarch because he had been excommunicated for various misdemeanours!

This is truly a community project that was funded by a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant, together with additional financial, premises and other support from the Elim Estuary Church Group. Work on the Tapestry continued despite the Covid-19 lockdowns when the crafty fingers of the volunteers also made NHS scrubs, washing bags, masks, and NHS knitted rosettes. Congratulations to all who were involved in creating this legacy for the District.

The finished result is a triumph; an astonishing achievement which displays all the creativity, talent and dedication of all those who were part of making it. It offers numerous learning opportunities for young and old alike. There cannot be anyone who fails to learn something new about the District!

Tickets to see the Rochford District Heritage Tapestry are FREE and the exhibition can be viewed Tuesday 27th July to Saturday 7th August at the Elim Church.

You can book via Eventbrite:https://rochford-district-heritage-tapestry-exhibition.eventbrite.co.uk  When you go to 'Select a Date', the first timed viewing slots are sold out but please scroll down the page to find another viewing slot.

More details available at https://www.rochfordtown.com/news-and-events/events/july-2021/2021-tapestry-exhibition-rochford-district-heritage-tapestry-covering-1000-years-of-local-history/

After that the Tapestry will “go on tour” around the District, either complete or as individual panels. Please see www.rochfordtown.com  for more details.