Stitched by Margaret Reardon

God grant that I may see the stitch

until my dying days and when

my last short breath is clipped

and scissors put away

the work that I have done live on

that other folk may see

the pleasure I have known
LORD

in the skill that you gave me.

Brown stitching on a dark gold ground  enclosed by narrow border patterns in pink, blue and white.

E2 In Memoriam - Sheila Oakey

Stitched by members of the Helmdon Stitchers' Group

This work is framed in a slim dark wood frame and measures 11½" x 10½". The work is in cross stitch on a cream ground and features a pink rose spray around each of the four corners. It reads:

In Memoriam

Sheila Oakey

1935 - 2013

A wonderful needlewoman

who contributed greatly

to the canvas work shown

in this church

Helmdon Stitchers 2011

E3 The Farmers' Prayer (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

Let the wealthy and great

Roll in splendour and state

I envy them not, I declare it;

I eat my own lamb, my chicken and ham

I shear my own fleece and wear it,

I have lawns, I have bow'rs

I have fruits, I have flow'rs,

The  lark is my morning alarmer.

So jolly boys now,

Here’s God speed the plough,

Long life and success to the farmer.

Inscription: Ann and Tony Smith Helmdon 2000

Verse stitched in brown on a gold ground throughout and enclosed by a narrow brown border.

The verse is above a pastoral landscape which features Ann and Tony’s home at Falcutt Hall and a family pet, Caspar.  The 4 corner motifs are a poppy, daisy, an ear of wheat and an owl.

Section 2

Cushions and Kneelers in the Sanctuary

                           (North side) Five flat cushions measuring 16½" x 13½" x 1” deep

(S1) Cushion stitched by Jan Harrold (JMH) in memory of her parents. 

Inscription:     1909 G.M.Ryland 1993          

         1909 J.E.Ryland 2003 

Central rose-stem motif in pink and red on gold ground and with 2 maroon side borders each featuring a rose motif. The enclosing borders are in gold and white and all sides are in gold.

(S2) Cushion stitched by Doreen England (DE) in memory of her father.

Inscription: Jack Ayres 1913 – 2003

Central panel of multi-coloured sweet peas tied with a blue ribbon.   Two side borders feature pink sweet peas.  Four corner motifs in maroon and shades of blue around a central white square.  All sides are in gold.           

(S3) Cushion stitched by Sylvia Richardson in memory of her husband.

Inscription: Norman Richardson 1931 – 2001

Central parade of elephants on blue ground bordered above and below by multi-coloured geometric bands, largely in blue, pink, green and cream.

(S4) Cushion Stitcher Unknown. No identifying initials.

Inscription: Ruth Ipgrave 1927 – 1985

This dedication on a pale green ground and surrounded by other spot motifs – the school house and schoolchildren playing, a blackboard and easel, a book-case, numbers and letters, a floral motif in top left corner.  All sides are dark green.  Mr and Mrs Ipgrave were at the school house when Mr Ipgrave was headmaster of Helmdon School from Spring 1957 – Summer 1978.

(S5)   Cushion stitched by Pauline Butler in memory of her mother and step-father.     

Central panel shows a cricketer who has hit the ball right out of the panel into the surrounding gold ground! All sides are gold. Inscription reads:  Frederick - Violet Rodgers

South side (Sedilia) Three 3 Flat cushions 22” x 15” (one photo)

All three are identical. Geometric interlaced motifs in red, blue and gold. Corded edges and mounted on boards.

No history known and not a part of the modern kneelers' scheme.

KNEELERS ALONG THE ALTAR RAIL

1995

(S6) (also numbered 91) Three runners, (one photo) 2 at 79" x 13" and one central runner 38½" x 13", all with corded edge.

The design used on these runners is a copy of the earlier faded and worn pieces originally stitched by Nancy Salmon, a long-term Helmdon resident.  These new pieces  were stitched by Mary Gidman. The design in Cross Stitch features a gold and white edged diamond enclosing a floral motif of daisy or lily on a dark red ground.  Outside the diamonds the red ground is patterned by a trellis design in light brown.  All backed in linen.

 (S6a) Close up of daisy motif

                                          (S6b) Close up of lily motif

(S7)  (a)and (b) also numbered 91

Two chair cushions 14” x 15½" and 17½" x19".   Patterns and colours as on altar runners (see photos above)

          corded trim with loops at corners. Stitched by Mary Gidman.                

(S8) (24) and S9 (46)  These are a pair of matching kneelers

(two photos)

although stitched by separate hands and some time apart.

                  (S8) No: 24 (CH)

Stitched by Con Humphrey.

(S9) No: 46 (SO)

Stitched later by Sheila Oakey who copied the pattern to make a matched pair.

The kneelers measure 14" by 10½" x 3". Central panel is a multi-coloured floral motif on a beige ground with borders of red and green.  All sides are green and feature IHS in red.

Section 3

Cushions and Kneelers in the Choir Stalls

Set of Fifteen kneelers

C 1-15

Multi-coloured and various Florentine patterned central panels with an enclosing border.  Treble clef motif in each of 4 corners,  some with a cross motif in borders. Side patterns vary. Some include the dedication “St Mary Magdalene Helmdon”.  Some or all sides may be used up for the Choristers' Prayer present on each kneeler in this set.

What we sing with our lips

Help us believe in our hearts

What we believe in our hearts

Help us practise in our lives

Some kneelers are attributed:

ZB 1999  (Zena Balch)  C1

MN 1999  (4) Mary Nash C6,7,8,13

DE 1999  Doreen England C2

SO 1999 (4) Sheila Oakey C9, 10, 11,12

SR 1999 Sylvia Richardson C3

JMH 2000 Jan Harrold C4

JB 1999 Jean Brookhouse C15

JB 2003 Jean Brookhouse C14

PP 2002  unidentified C5

CHOIR AND CHOIR STALLS

(C16 and C17) Two Clergy stalls (identical) (one photo)

Seat cushion 24” x 14”.

Two diamonds with daisy motifs to match  altar runners.  Green background and  sides.

Seat Cushions (BACK PEWS) (one photo)

(South side 18, 19 and 20)  Three identical cushions in Bargello pattern in shades of green with red strips.  All sides are green and all backed with green fabric.

(North side21,22,23) Three multi-coloured and multi-patterned cushions with medallions showing various religious and secular motifs.  Green background,  borders and backing.

Inscription:  St Mary Magdalene, Helmdon

(2 at 2002, 1 at 2001)

Seat Cushions (FRONT PEWS)

Set of six cushions

(north side C24,25,26 and south side C27, 28, and 29)

14 panels per cushion each with a flower or butterfly. All motifs on a gold ground set in a green lattice. Inscription: St Mary Magdalene, Helmdon

2001 (3) 2002 (2) 2005 (1)

ALSO IN THE CHOIR STALL AT THE DATE OF THIS INVENTORY – 2016

Nos. 11 (1) (2) (3) (4) (MG)

Set of four  kneelers in shades of gold and white with  Florentine-stitch decorative tops with narrow gold border and with decorative Florentine patterned sides.

All these stitched by Mary Gidman (MG or MMG)

No: 103 (SO)

In Memoriam -   Harry and Minnie Watson

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Alan and Eileen Watson.

Dedicated to the memory of Harry and Minnie Watson (Alan's parents).

Top panel features a piano key board with a floral spray laid over and a small farmyard image at upper left. Words on top panel read:

We hear music with our ears but feel it with our hearts

Minnie Watson was a long-standing member of the church choir and choral society as well as the joint choir of the church and chapel in the 1950s and 60s.

Front edge reads: Harry and Minnie Watson

with dates on each short side.

1902 – 1990 and 1908 – 1989

No: 74  (MR)

Stitched by Margaret Reardon

It is dedicated to the memory of her friend, Janet Hilary Lugg,

Top is quartered with a daffodil (favourite flower),Girl Guide badge (representing long term interest in the Girl Guide Movement), a bar of Music (“Hills of the North rejoice" – favourite hymn), and an acorn and oak leaf (symbols of the London borough of Acton, where Janet and Margaret lived).

Front edge reads: 1938 Janet Hilary Lugg 1990

stitched in green on a pale gold ground.

Rear edge reads: A Life-Long Friend stitched as above

Short sides show a Cross motif in green on a pale gold ground.

Section 4

Noah’s Ark Set NA1 – NA19

These are a smaller, child  size set of kneelers and measure 13” x 9” x 3”.

This series was master minded by Annette Guppy beginning in May 1994, and stitched by children, teachers and friends of Helmdon Primary School.   Annette Guppy, Mary Gidman and Shelia Oakey helped in school, teaching weekly sessions.  Every child was involved

and stitched a minimum of 40 stitches.  Charts mostly provided by Annette Guppy.

NA1 Kneeler (ZB) (also marked no: 2)

stitched by Zena Balch

showing Noah’s Ark on a red ground with an animal border.   Front edge reads:

And they went in unto Noah

Into the ark, two and two of all flesh

Stitched in red on blue ground.  3 remaining sides stitched in pattern of red and blue squares.

All kneelers in this set carry a long side image of "Helmdon" on a grassy slope with grazing sheep and a single tree at r.h. end.   "Helmdon" is stitched in 2 shades of chosen colour to give a 3D effect and ”m” is loosely reminiscent of the viaduct.

NA2 Koala (JB)

Two koalas  on a branch in central panel with cream ground. 

Surrounded by brick stitch border in sea green.

Stitched by Joanne Bearman aged 8 years.

NA 3 Giraffe (MN)

Two giraffes on blue ground in central panel with gold surround.

Stitched by Mary Nash

NA4 Ponies

Two brown ponies on pale ground in central panel with dark green surround.

NA5 (LG)

Kneeler and photograph missing so cannot be identified but recorded in original album as being stitched by

Leanne Griffiths, aged 9

NA6  (NH & AG)

         Kneeler and photograph missing so cannot be identified but recorded in original album as being stitched by Natalie Haughton helped by Annette Guppy.

NA7

Elephants

Two elephants in light and dark grey on green ground in central panel with red surround.

NA8

Cows

Two brown and white cows in a grey central panel with orange surround.

NA9

Penguin and Turtle

Two penguins and two turtles in a pale green central panel with deep blue surround.

NA10

Sheep

Two sheep, one horned, in a green central panel with a rich gold surround.

NA11

Pandas

Two pandas with bamboo shoots in an orange central panel with a green surround.

                                                  NA12

Kangaroo

Two kangaroos in a green central panel with a gold surround.

NA13

Monkey

Two monkeys, one seated with greenery; two bees on beige central panel

and grey surround and sides with 2 terracotta defining borders.

NA14

Zebra

Two zebras in a pale green central panel with olive green surround.

NA15 Tiger

Two tigers in a grey central panel with a red surround

NA16 Camel

Two camels in a gold central panel with a terracotta surround.

NA17 Lion

Lion and lioness in a beige coloured central panel with a pale green surround.

NA18 Fox

Two foxes, one standing, one sitting, with two blue birds overhead,

in a beige central panel and mid-blue surround.

NA19 Noah and Wife

Figures on a beige central rectangle  surrounded by green stitching and red border.

                   Sides in plain green, front edge reads Helmdon                                     

Noah has a dove, his wife a lamb and a sheep stands at their side.

All other sides are plain and stitched in dark green.

Section 5

Pew Kneelers 1 – 123           

No: 1

Black Labrador Dog (ZB)

Stitched by Zena Balch in memory of the family pet, Charlie.

Top panel has a black dog's head on a grey ground encircled by a dark grey cross stitch border.

All other sides feature a Cross motif stitched in grey and all other stitching is in gold.

No: 2

Noah's Ark (ZB)

This is listed as NA1 in Noah's Ark set, marked number 2 on base of kneeler.

No: 3

Spray of Blue Flowers (DJB)

Stitched by Jane Brown.

Top shows a large spray of blue flowers and this motif is repeated on all 4 sides.

  All other stitching in gold using Tent Stitch (top) and Hungarian Stitch (sides).

No: 4

Poppies (DJB)

Stitched by Jane Brown.

Dedicated to the memory of Phil Watson, a well-regarded Helmdon farmer.

Top panel shows red poppies in a diamond-shaped panel edged

in red and green.  Front edge reads: 1915 PLW 1994

stitched in green lettering in a green-edged panel.

All other sides feature repeating poppy motif and all other stitching is in gold.

No: 5

Violets (PB)

Stitched by Pauline Butler.

Commissioned by Vic and Pauline Butler.

Dedicated to the memory of Vic's mother, Ida Blanche Butler.

Violets were her favourite flower.

Top panel show violets stitched in neutral rectangle edged in green.

Front edge reads: 1898 I.Butler 1985

stitched in green in a green edged panel.

Remaining sides show repeated violet motifs and all other stitching is in gold.

No: 6

Dandelion (SEC)

Stitched by Sue Coates as part of the series representing seasons and harvest.

Top panel shows a dandelion stitched in a rectangle edged

with Rice Stitch in 2 shades of green.

Front edge reads:

       And a time to every purpose under the Heaven

                                                                   eccles.ch.3 v.1

All other sides stitched in gold with a central cross motif in pale green.

No: 7

Celtic Cross (EC)

Stitched by Eileen Collett in memory of her husband.

Top panel has a Celtic Cross in gold encircled by ring of red and green stitching all on neutral ground edged with decorative green border. The central Cross represents Eileen's Irish nationality.

Rear edge reads: 1921 R.L.C. 1987

All other sides stitched in gold with small green Cross as central motif.

No: 8

Fruit (MD)

Stitched by Margaret Duncombe in memory of her husband, Bill, who sold fruit in Helmdon for many years. Top is quartered by green and gold Cross Stitches to make panels filled with lemons, plums, apples and oranges, all on neutral ground.

Front edge reads: 1924 A.W.D. 1993

in green lettering on neutral ground with green edging.

All other sides plain and stitched in Gold Basket Weave Stitch.

No: 9

Helmdon Viaduct and three further panels (DE)

Commissioned by Noreen White in memory of her parents, C and L Ayres. 

  Stitched by Doreen England, their granddaughter and Noreen's niece.

Top panel is quartered with Helmdon Viaduct (top left), a pig (top right),

the village pump (bottom right) and a chick and hen (bottom left).

The family kept pigs and chickens, they used the pump in Church Street for fresh water

and the viaduct celebrates the family's association with the railway.

Front edge reads: 1892  Clara Ayres 1966

in green lettering on pale gold ground

Rear edge reads: Louis Ayres 1967

stitched as above.

Short sides have images of family pets - a grey cat and a white dog.

No: 10

Grapes and Chalice (DE)

Stitched by Doreen England.

Top panel shows a central Cross in 2 shades of green with a Chalice at upper corners

and a bunch of grapes at lower corners.

All sides stitched with neutral panels bordered with decorative stitching

in 2 shades of green and maroon.

Nos: 11 (1) (2) (3) (4) (MG or MMG)

Stitiched by Mary Gidman

These four gold Florentine patterned kneelers are recorded

in the Choir Stalls.

In shades of gold and white with Florentine-stitch decorative tops with narrow gold border and with decorative Florentive patterned sides.

No:12

Tractor(LG)

Stitched by Lindsey Glassett to reflect her love of rural life.

Top panel shows a red tractor with ears of wheat in upper corners, all on a gold ground.

No other recorded detail and as at the time of this inventory this kneeler was missing from the Church.

No: 13

  Maroon Bell (JG)

Stitched and designed by Joe Glenham (grandson of Sheila Oakey).

Joe was an enthusiastic bell ringer in Helmdon.  His kneeler is dedicated to

William Chester who was also a member of the Helmdon Tower.

Top panel has a large maroon-coloured bell shape with decorative stitching in purple,

blue and green. A gold cross with decorative blue trim is stitched across the centre

of the bell with a small bell at either side of the base.

Front edge reads: 1897 W.J. Chester 1989

stitched in maroon with maroon edge on a neutral ground.

Rear edge reads: Ding, Dong, Merrily on high stitched as above.

Short sides decorated with maroon and gold bell shape.

All other stitching in 2 shades of gold using a variety of stitches.

No: 14

How Great is God ... (SAG)

Stitched by Sally Griffiths as her first-ever piece of canvas work.

Top panel has a blue butterfly with 2 flowers in shades of purple all on a neutral ground outlined with decorative purple border. Front edge reads:

How great is God Almighty who has made all things well

Lettering in blue on neutral ground.

Front edge is plain, stitched in gold.

Short sides stitched in gold with central motif of purple Cross in a neutral square with purple border.

No: .15

Australian Homestead (RG)

Stitched by Ron Guppy.

Top panel has centre square showing a single storey dwelling and its surrounding fields.

Small maps of Australia stitched in green at top right and bottom left with Pink Heath, the floral emblem of Victoria, and Grevillea, another common plant in Victoria, in remaining corners.

Front edge reads: 1893 W.J.G 1974

Rear edge reads: 1893 E.F.G 1974

These dedications stitched in green.

Short sides are plain and all other stitching is in gold.

No.16

Ayers Rock/Uluru (AG)

Stitched by Annette Guppy.

Dedicated to the memory of Annette's Australian parents.

Top panel shows Ayers Rock, Australia, beneath a sky stitched in several shades of blue

with a kneeling aborigine figure in the foreground. There is a map of Australia at top left

and bottom right and two native Australian plants - a Sturt's Desert Pea

and a Bottlebrush - in the two remaining corners.

Front edge reads: 1896 W.M.J McN DCM 1968

(DCM commemorates the award of the Distinguished Conduct Medal awarded to

Annette's father for gallantry at Lihons, France, in August 1917.)

Rear edge reads: 1900 C.M.G. McN 1990

The dedications are stitched in dark blue lettering on a pale blue ground.

Short sides are plain and stitched in gold.

No: 17

Six Garden Flowers (AG)

Stitched by Annette Guppy.

Commissioned by the Holloway family in memory of Louisa and Jack Holloway, long-term and well-loved residents of Helmdon.

Mrs Holloway was a founder member of the W.I., valued member of the Red Cross, the Mothers' Union and the Church. Jack Holloway worked on the railway.

Top panel show six flowers seen in the Holloway's garden: daffodil and snowdrop, rose, primula and bluebell, violet, pansy and lily-of-the valley.

These multi-coloured images are all stitched on a gold ground and separated by lines stitched in red and white.

Front edge reads: 1909 Louise Holloway 1994

Rear edge reads: 1897 Jack Holloway 1991

Dedications are stitched in green lettering.

Short sides are plain and all stitching is in gold.

No: 18

Lily Motif (AG)

Stitched by Annette Guppy.

Commissioned by Taylor family.

Top panel shows lily in diamond motif as per Kneelers in the Sanctuary.  The diamond is surrounded by gold stitching with decorative corner motifs repeating the lily.

Kneeler has a D.ring for hanging purposes, so completed early in the life of the Kneeler Project.

Front edge reads: St Mary Magdalene

stitched in dark green lettering on pale green ground.

Rear edge reads: F & O Taylor

and short sides have the sons' names Harry and Robert, all stitched in dark green

on  pale green ground.

No: 19

Yellow Rose (AG)

Stitched by Annette Guppy.

Commissioned by Mary and Glanville Davies in memory of their daughter, Veronica, who painted a yellow rose during her final illness.

Top panel shows a spray of yellow roses on a neutral ground and with green surround.

Front edge reads: 1942 Veronica 1995

Stitched in green on a neutral ground edged with green.

Rear edge and short sides show repeated rose bud motif.

No: 20

Blue Cross (AG)

Stitched by Annette Guppy as a demonstration kneeler at the beginning of the project. 

It has a D.ring for hanging.

Top panel has a central Cross in 3 shades of blue on a neutral ground with a blue decorative border.

All sides edged in 3 shades of blue in Cross Stitch and all with a Cross motif in same colouring.

All other stitching in shades of gold and with a variety of stitches including Hungarian,

Double Brick, and Long Legged Cross Stitch.

No: 21 (AH)

Open Book (with green and gold page marker)

Stitched by Ann Harman.

Dedicated to the memory of Ann's parents, Bob and Emily Mander.

It represents the Altar Services book presented to the Church by Ann in memory of her father.

  The red and gold leather covered book is currently kept on the windowsill behind the clergy stall in the chancel.  The dedication inside reads: Presented to Helmdon Church in loving memory of Bob    Mander a very helpful and faithful member of this Church - R.I.P 24th April 1981.

Front edge reads: 1904 EM 1961

in green rectangle on neutral ground with green outline.

Rear edge reads: 1904 BM 1981

stitched as above. Short sides have central Cross motif in green.

All other stitching is in gold.

No: 22

The Nativity (AH)

Stitched by Ann Harman.

Top panel shows the Holy Family with a kneeling shepherd and a sheep all on neutral

ground with pale green border.

Front edge reads: Unto us a Child is Born

stitched in blue lettering within a neutral rectangle with a brown outline.

Rear edge is plain. Short sides include an image of an angel blowing a trumpet.

All other stitching in gold.

No: 23

Helmdon Post Office (AH)

Stitched by Ann Harman to mark the retirement of Jim and Betty Davies after more than twenty years at the Post Office. Top panel has an image of the shop and Post Office.

   The words Post Office are stitched in a small red panel at top left and bottom right with the dates 1973 and 1995 in green at top right and bottom left.

Front edge has initials BCD in a neutral panel with green border.

Rear edge stitched as front but with initials AJD.

Short sides have images of apple blossom which was a striking feature of the Post Office garden.

                                                            No: 24

                                          Floral Bouquet (CH)

Stitched by Con Humphrey

Altar  kneeler.  One of a pair with No.46, renumbered S8, and listed in Kneelers in Sanctuary.

No: 25

Daffodil (LH)

Stitched by Liz Humphrey (Mrs D. Humphrey)

Top panel shows Daffodils and Catkins on a rust ground with green surround.

Catkin motif is repeated in centre of long sides.

Short sides have central Cross motif.

All motifs stitched in colours to match top panel.

No: 26 (EJH)

Rose

Stitched by Liz Humphrey (Mrs D. Humphrey)

Large square on top shows a Rose motif in shades of pink on a neutral ground

with green surround. Motif repeated on all four sides.

All other stitching in two shades of gold.

No: 27 (PJ)

Daisy Motif

Stitched by Pam Jeffs.

Design as per kneelers in the sanctuary with Daisy motif in diamond surround

and on a gold ground. Motif repeated on all four sides.

No: 28 (SJM)

Celtic Grace

Designed and stitched by Sue Mantle following a visit to the Isle of Iona.

Top panel has a Celtic Grace stitched in dark blue over an outline of the Isle of Iona

with a Dove in top left corner and a Celtic Cross down the right hand side.

All four sides show Celtic symbols and patterns.

The Grace reads: Deep Peace of the

                           Running wave to you

                        Deep Peace of the

                        Flowing air to you

                        Deep Peace of the

                        Quiet earth to you

                        Deep Peace of the

                          Shining stars to you

                         Deep Peace of the

                           Son of Peace to you

No: 29 (SJM)

Pair of Magpies

Stitched by Sue Mantle and dedicated to her four children whose names are recorded

by their initials on the side panels:

                      CE (Catherine)

                     RL (Rebecca)

                     ME (Matthew)

             JH (John)

Top panel shows a pair of magpies perched on a bough of pink blossom on a red ground enclosed within a circle. Remaining stitching on top and sides in bands of two shades of gold.

No: 30 (SJM)

Campiun Window

Designed and stitched by Sue Mantle.

See booklet St Mary Magdalene, Helmdon, a history, available in church.

It represents the 1313 window in the church which is a very rare surviving example

showing an artisan, William Campiun, at work.

The inverse triangular motif sits in the top panel of the kneeler which is stitched in blue and yellow threads to represent stained glass.  This theme continues on all four sides.

No: 31 (ZB)

Burning Candle

Stitched by Zena Balch.

Dedicated to her memory of the children at the Opportunity Playgroup, Towcester,

where Zena had worked. Top panel shows a lighted blue candle with circle of light behind

in white and gold all on a dark green ground. The top is divided by bands and rectangles

of decorative stitching in two shades of gold and this is continued into all sides.

Front edge is decorated with two small candle motifs.

Rear edge reads: They have their guardian angels  in heaven.

                                                         Matthew 18

No: 32 (WB)

Ponies

Stitched by Wendy Bearman in memory of her father who spent much of his life working

with horses. Top panel shows three ponies grazing in a landscape of open countryside.

Front edge reads: 1911 SB 1989 in a green panel with a Cross motif at either end.

Rear edge reads: We thank you, Lord, for all your living creatures

Short sides each with a small picture panel, one of grazing sheep and second of cows.

No: 33 (MG)

Garden Flowers

Stitched by Mary Gidman.

Commissioned by Sue Lidgley in memory of her father, David Payne, a great gardener

(Cross ref. to No: 84 for Sally Payne).

Top panel in gold Tent Stitch embellished with floral sprays in shades of pink and mauve.

Front edge reads: In the garden of memories it is always Summer

Rear edge reads: 1911 David Payne 1985

stitched in brown on a neutral ground and edged with green and decorative gold surround.

Short sides gold, one with Pheasant motif and one with Cross motif in colours to match top panel.

No: 34 (LH)

Shepherds' Crooks

(Design similar to No: 48)

Stitched by Lizzie Humphrey (Mrs. G.Humphrey)

Pair of crossed shepherds' crooks stitched in brown over a green cross on a neutral ground with decorative rust border and enclosed by Hungarian Stitch border in two shades of gold

Front edge reads: The good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep

                                                                                                                      St.John 10.v.11

stitched in rust on a gold ground. Rear edge and two short sides stitched in two shades of gold with central Cross motif, all colours to match those in top panel.

No: 35 (AH)

Ring of Cauliflowers

Stitched by Ann Harman.

Commissioned by the Seckington Family.

Dedicated to the memory of George Seckington, a great gardener with cauliflowers as a speciality.

Top panel shows a ring of cauliflowers with a central Cross, tomatoes and onions

in opposite top corners on neutral ground.

Rear edge reads: 1915 George Seckington 1985

All other sides plain.

No: 36 (MN)

Gethsemane

Stitched by Mary Nash as one of the Lent/Easter series.

Central arched rectangle shows the kneeling figure of Christ with gold Brick Stitch surround and edged with three rows of Cross Stitch in two shades of green.

Front edge reads: Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder

Rear edge is plain. Short sides have a Cross motif in two shades of green.

All sides stitched on a gold ground.

No: 37 (MN)

Great Central Railway

Stitched by Mary Nash.

Donated by Mary and Colin Nash.

Design represents Colin's great interest in the railways of Britain and, in particular, the significance of the Great Central Railway in Helmdon. Design taken from an official post-card showing symbols of the railway company in central rectangle surrounded by gold stitching in Brick Stitch.

Front edge reads: Great Central Railway in black on a blue banner.

Rear edge reads: Forward   Short sides are plain.

No: 38  (MN)

Fish

Stitched by Mary Nash.

Has hanging D.ring. Top oval panel shows a golden fish in a sea of multiple

shades of blue. The fish is an ancient symbol of Christianity.

Front edge reads:

Jesus saith unto him 'I am the way, the truth and the life'

and continued on the rear edge:

No man cometh unto the father, but by me

                                                                              St John 14 v.6

All lettering in blue. Short sides show IHS in pale blue over a dark blue Cross.

All other stitching in gold using a mixture of stitches.

No: 39 (SO)

God is our hope

Designed and stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Top panel shows arched stained-glass window with a pair of doves.  Smaller church image

to the right side, all surrounded by floral boughs. Images stitched on a neutral ground

with maroon border. front and rear edges read: God is our hope and strength

green lettering on neutral ground with maroon border.

Short sides and all other stitching in shades of gold.

No: 40 (SO)

St Nicholas

Designed and stitched by Sheila Oakey as part of Christmas set.

Top panel shows a brightly coloured St Nicholas with a Christmas tree

and two children and a goose.

Front edge reads: Saint Nicholas, Bishop in the 4th Century

Rear edge reads: Peace on Earth, goodwill to all mankind

and short sides read: Special Friend of children and

                       Feast day December 6th

All lettering stitched in maroon on a grey ground enclosed by a green border.

All other stitching in two shades of gold using a variety of decorative stitches.

No: 41 (AJG & SO)

For All Your gifts .....

Designed and stitched by Sheila Oakey and Annette Guppy.

Top rectangular panel shows a blackberry stem with both flowers and fruit on

neutral ground enclosed by red border.

Front and rear edges read: For all your gifts we bless you, Lord

in green lettering on neutral ground with red border.

Short ends feature floral spray in shades of pink also on neutral ground with red border.

All other stitching in gold.

No: 42  (SO) 

All Things Bright .....

Stitched and designed by Sheila Oakey.

Has hanging D.ring

Central rectangle on top shows a rainbow over "purple headed mountain, river running by" with dove and other creatures including a fox, cat, owl and rabbit amongst colourful flowers.

Front and rear edge reads: All things bright and beautiful

in brown stitching on gold panel. Short sides show a lamb  and fruit and flowers, both motifs on green ground with brown surround.  All other stitching in gold.

No: 43 (SO)

Wheatsheaf

Stitched by Sheila Oakey to represent one aspect of her family's rural life.

Has a hanging D.ring. Top panel shows a wheatsheaf in gold and brown on pale green ground with darker green border.  Motif repeated on all 4 sides.

All surrounding stitching in two shades of gold.

No: 44 (SO)

Key of the Unknown

Stitched by Sheila Oakey with her daughter-in-law, Ann.

Has a hanging D.ring. It represents Ann's mother's favourite hymn and her work

in supporting Oxfam with her knitting and sewing.

Top panel shows large grey key on a blue sky with rainbow over and clouds beneath.

Front and rear edges read:  God holds the key of all the unknown

stitched in grey lettering on a blue ground.

Short sides read Oxfam in grey lettering on a tweed ground, and knitting needles

and ball of wool, also on tweed ground.

All sides and top surround in Basket Stitch using two shades of gold.

No: 45 (SO)

   The Lord God .....

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

Top panel has a pair of boldly coloured birds with yellow breasts and green wings. Motif in a rust bordered oval on a neutral ground.  Remaining top filled with Leaf Stitch in gold.

Front and rear edges read: The Lord God made them all

with a scattering of small animals including a hedgehog, snail, tortoise and various insects.

Short sides feature a dragon-fly and frog and a butterfly and fox.

No: 46

Floral Bouquet (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

See KNEELERS AT THE ALTAR

One of a pair with no.24 (renumbered S9).

No: 47

Eternal Father  .....     (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

Top panel shows Jesus in a boat calming the stormy sea.

Front and rear edges read: Eternal Father strong to save,

stitched in blue on neutral ground. Short sides plain. All sides stitched in gold.

No: 48

Shepherd's Crooks (AO)

Stitched by Ann Oakey (later Somerton).

Has a hanging D.ring.  Design similar to no. 34.

Top panel shows crossed shepherd's crooks in blue over a gold Cross, stitched on a neutral ground and contained within a blue border. The surround is in two shades of gold in Hungarian Stitch.

Front and rear edges read: The Lord is my shepherd

stitched in blue on gold. Short sides are plain.

No: 49

Summer Garden (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

Commissioned by Mary Gidman and dedicated to the memory of her son, Michael.

Top panel shows a multi-coloured garden view with floral borders, a pergola and seat.

  Designed to reflect Michael's love of gardening and his friendly nature.

Front edge reads: 1950 Michael Cordeux Gidman 1996

Rear edge reads: His path was strewn with love and friendships

Short sides show a white bird with flowers.

No: 50

Lambs (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

Commissioned by Nancy Wheeler

Top central panel has 3 lambs with gold Cross above. Surround is of gold decorative stitching.

Front edge reads: Jesus, lamb of God

Rear edge reads: Have mercy on us

All lettering green and short sides are in plain gold stitching.

No: 51

Fox at night (SO)

Stitched by Shelia Oakey in memory of her mother.

Top panel has a nocturnal image - Shows a fox in the moonlight and an owl watching

from a nearby tree. Front edge reads: 1916  A.M.E. Hobbs  1995

in green lettering on neutral ground with gold Cushion Stitch surround enclosed by red border.

Rear edge reads: A wondrous beauty I see

Short sides feature a pink rose spray

Kneeler No: 52 not assigned.

Nos: 53, 54, 55, 56

A set of four kneelers designed  and stitched to represent the seasons.  Commissioned by Cis and Celia Terrey as a mark of gratitude to all those who supported them both during Celia's serious illness and recovery in 1995.

No: 53

Summer (SO)

Top panel shows cornfield with poppies and daisies with bright flowers in the foreground

alongside a stile. Front edge reads: To every thing there is a season

                                                        Ecclesiastes 3v1

Lettering in green on a gold ground.

Rear edge reads: Summer flanked by red and gold Cross motifs on a green circle.

Repeated on short sides

No: 54

Autumn (SO)

Top panel shows trees with autumn colouring alongside a stream with bridge.

Design includes two buildings. Front edge reads: There is harmony in Autumn

                                                                                       and a lustre in its sky

Lettering in green on a gold ground. Rear edge reads: Autumn

flanked by cross motifs in red and gold on a green circle. Repeated on short sides.

No: 55

Winter (SO)

Top panel shows wintry snow scene with a child and dog playing by a stream.  Also includes red-roofed houses and tall fir trees as well as a tree silhouette at either side.

Front edge reads: Thank you Lord for your help and strength in time of need

lettering in green on a gold ground. Rear edge reads: Winter

flanked by Cross motifs in red and gold on a green circle.  Repeated on short sides.

No: 56

Spring (SO)

Top panel shows a pastoral landscape with sheep grazing alongside a stream with flowering banks.

Front edge reads: The King of Love my shepherd is in green lettering on a gold ground.

Rear edge reads: Spring flanked by cross motifs in red on a green circle. Repeated on short sides.

No: 57

Daisy Motif (JO)

Stitched by Jenny Overson.

Top panel has central diamond shape with daisy motif as per kneelers in sanctuary.

All other stitching in gold with diamond floral motifs on all sides. Has hanging loop with D.ring indicating it is one of the earliest kneelers to be completed.

No: 58

Tulips and Crocus (MR)

Stitched by Margaret Reardon. Sponsored by Helmdon Women's Club, formerly called Young Wives, to celebrate their 25th anniversary. The Women's Club has enhanced the village with their planting of daffodil, crocus and tulip bulbs. Top panel shows a spray of pink tulips

and of purple crocus on neutral ground.

  Front edge reads: Helmdon Women's Club and rear edge: Helmdon Young Wives

Short sides show dates 1970 and 1995

All inscriptions in green lettering on pale gold ground with green borders. All other stitching in gold.

No: 59

Anemones (MR)

Stitched by Margaret Reardon in memory of her mother and a brother and sister who died in early childhood. Top panel shows garland of bright multi-coloured anemones on neutral ground

(anemones were her mother's favourite flower).

Front edge reads: Alice Townsend

                          1906 A loving mother 1991

Rear edge reads: God and his Holy Angels

                                  Have gained what we have lost

(This is a quote from a sympathy card found in Alice Townsend's effects)

These inscriptions stitched in purple lettering.

Short side reads:

            Jimmy Townsend

            aged 3 years

         and Betty Townsend

              aged 5 months

These inscriptions in blue lettering.

No: 60

Lily Motif (SR)

Stitched by Sylvia Richardson in memory of her son, Robert.

Top panel has central diamond shape with lily as per kneelers in the sanctuary and with a gold stitched surround.

Front edge reads: Robert Richardson Rear edge reads: 1960 - 1992

All lettering in green on gold ground, all sides edged with narrow green borders

containing floral motifs.

No: 61

Bell (EJS)

Stitched by Edith Shellard in memory of her husband George and son Roger.

Shellards were a family of bell-ringers.

Top panel shows single bell in gold and grey on neutral ground enclosed in green and grey border.

Front edge reads: G. and R. Shellard RIP

Rear edge reads: Edith J.Shellard 2001

Short sides stitched in two shades of gold.

No: 62

Grapes (LW)

Stitched by Lesley Ward to commemorate the Eucharist.  Top panel shows a bunch of purple grapes in central square edged in shades of purple and on a neutral ground. 

Remaining top surface and all sides stitched in gold.

Front edge reads: This is my blood of the new Covenant

Rear edge and short sides have motifs of grapes and Chalice.

No: 63

Peace (AMW)

Designed and stitched by Avril Wonnacott to represent the hopes of millions for world peace.

Top panel shows a globe with a dove and Peace stitched in white across these two motifs on a blue ground.  The surrounding gold bands are decorated with stylised motifs in blue and green.  A white dove is stitched in each of the top corners. All sides plain and stitched in gold.

No: 64

Mynah Bird (AW)

Designed and stitched by Avril Wonnacott in memory of her sister who lived in New Zealand. Top panel shows a mynah bird, an open woodland bird native to New Zealand.  This central motif surrounded by gold-patterned stitching.

Front edge reads: 1940 G.D.P. 1990

      Rear edge reads: Oh, to be in England

                                        Now that April's there

Words flanked by green cross motif at either end. Short sides feature a lily motif

and borders stitched throughout in gold.

No: 65

Helmdon WI (Women’s Institute) (PR)

Stitched and designed by Peggy Ryalls to commemorate the 75^th anniversary of Helmdon WI in 1996.

Top panel shows WI tree symbol and the dates 1921 – 1996, Helmdon 75 years

Central panel is stitched in gold  with corner motifs featuring pink Rhodes Stitch.

Inscription on long side reads: Today’s women working for tomorrow’s world

Remaining sides stitched in various gold-coloured bands.

No: 66

Signal Box, Helmdon (SO)

Commissioned by Annie Saunders.  Dedicated to the memory of the Saunders brothers.

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Inscription on one long side reads:  Saunders Family

Remaining 3 sides plain, intricately stitched in 2 shades of gold.

Top panel shows the signal box alongside the track in a 6-sided cartouche. The top panel surround is quartered and features roses and bells in diagonally opposite corners.

The Saunders brothers were Herbert, Bob, Mont and Ted, who was Annie's husband.  The signal box celebrates Herbert's fifty years as a signalman in Helmdon.  Ted was a champion gardener, roses being his speciality.  Mont was a revered member of the church community being a bell ringer, a member of the choir as well as church warden.

No: 67

Spaniel Head (Blue Roan) (JMH)

Black & while spaniel head in central panel with green border and gold surround.

Stitched by Jeanne Hughes in memory of her mother, Kathleen Fincken.

Dedication reads: 1909 KAF 1990  on one long side.

The second shows 3 Crosses stitched in 2 shades of green.

Emma, the spaniel featured, was her mother’s favourite pet.

No: 68

Dunblane School Massacre (FT)

Commissioned and stitched by Fee Taylor in memory of the children and teachers

who lost their lives in the shooting at Dunblane School.

Central panel pictures Chi-Ro symbol encircled by purple and green stitching in a rectangular panel bordered by the same purple and green border. Remaining area of top

and all sides stitched in gold. One long side reads Dunblane

Second long side reads 13^th March 1996

Short sides list initials of all victims.

Victoria Clydesdale        Emma Crozier           Melissa Currie

Charlotte Dunn              Kevis Hasell                Ross Irvine

David Kerr                       Mhairi McBeath        Brett McKinnon

Abigail McLennan        Emily Morton              Sophie North

John Petrie                       Joanna Ross               Megan Turner

Hannah Scott                Gwenne Mayor

No: 69

The WEA  (Workers’  Educational Association) (MG) & (AG)

Stitched by Mary Gidman and Annette Guppy.

Commissioned by Audrey Forgham (formerly Harwood) in memory of her father Charles F. Golton.

Images show a closed and open door illustrating the doorway to learning offered by the WEA.

One long side reads: 1959 and onwards

in brown stitching on a gold panel and the second shows a church.

Short ends have a stained glass window motif.

No: 70

Watering can and daisies  (MR)

Stitched by Margaret Reardon.

Commissioned by John and Margaret Reardon.

Dedicated to the memory of Edith Reardon (John’s mother) showing her favourite flowers (daisies).

Top panel shows a watering can with daisies standing in front of a panelled window with blue triangular motifs across each corner.  Short ends record  1903 and 1996

Long sides record Edith’s “Goodnight” words:

Goodnight God Bless. See you in the morning

and Edith Reardon, A Dear Mum

No: 71

The Reading Room, Helmdon (DC)

.

Stitched by Dorothy Cernik.  Commissioned by Alan Radford in memory of his wife.

Top panel shows image of Reading Room and Reading Room cottage, dated 1887.

Inscription reads: 1928 ELR MA 1980   

stitched in Tent Stitch in a gold panel with green border.

All sides stitched in gold with grey patterning.

No: 72

Three Wise Men (PB)

Stitched by Pauline Butler in memory of her sister-in-law.

Top panel shows the Star over Bethlehem in dark blue sky and three Kings

and their camels crossing the sand.

Dedication reads on one long side: 1925 Daphne Reynolds 1993

in a blue panel with darker blue stitching and surrounded by red border.

Second long side reads:  We three Kings from Orient are

Both short sides feature a straw-filled manger.

No: 73

Rural Life (WB)

Stitched by Wendy Bearman.

Central top panel dedicated to Joseph 1886 – 1960.

Motifs include a stag’s head, pheasant and hare and two hunting horns.

All sides show fruit-bearing stems with variations in colour and shape. Small central flower

in red and blue  in centre of long sides.

NO: 74   Already recorded in Kneelers in the Choir 

No: 75 (JB)

Open Book

Stitched by Jean Brookhouse in memory of her parents.

Top panel shows an open book with a blue page marker embellished with a gold Cross.  Worked in Tent Stitch, panel surrounded by a blue border. Brick Stitch background in gold.

Dedication reads:

                  1907 Harry Cleaver 1970 (front edge)

       and  1907 Gwen Cleaver 1971 (rear edge)

Stitched  on a brown side panel with blue lettering.  Small Cross motif in centre of end panels.

No: 76 (PB)

Celebrating Nature In Rural Life

Stitched by Pauline Butler.

Top panel is quartered and features a fox cub, red squirrel, rabbit and hedgehog.

Dedicated to Gran 'n' Grandad Palmer (maternal grandparents) (front edge) and Grandad Butler (father-in-law) (rear edge) and with small blue motif on short ends.

Background in gold throughout.

No: 77

Sunday School Kneeler (SG)

Flat kneeler measuring 17" x 14", stitched by Sally Griffiths, 2001.

Used on Prie Dieu in Lady Chapel.  Shows a procession of 9 children approaching the church porch and carrying a banner with the words Sunday School. The central panel has a pink surround with 2 narrow bands in navy blue.

No: 78

Thistles (EH)

Stitched by Eric Hall, dedicated to the memory of his parents.

Top panel shows two thistles, top left and bottom right, and two Celtic Crosses, top right and bottom left; all motifs stitched in shades of green and purple on a neutral ground

and surrounded by a 'plaid' border in same colours.

Front edge reads: 1915 Matilda Hall 1993

 Rear edge reads: 1917 Stanley Hall 1995

Short sides are plain and all sides feature Scottish stitch.

No: 79

Cat in Window (MN)

Stitched by Mary Nash.

Top panel shows grey cat sitting in arched stained glass window, coloured in shades of gold and blue as per windows throughout the church. Window surrounded by stone-effect stitches in blocks of brown and grey.  Each top corner has a Cross in pale blue and a mouse sits at lower left.

The cat is a Burmese named 'Star' who lived at the Rectory (later Saturday House and then Helmdon House).  Star was frequently to be seen in attendance at church services!

Front edge reads: For we have seen his star in the East and are come to worship him

All other sides are plain and stitched in gold.

No: 80

Helmdon Acorns (AO & SO)

Stitched by Ann Oakey and Sheila Oakey.

'Acorns' is the name of the Helmdon Pre-School which met in the Reading Room at the time of stitching and later moved to the purpose-built centre in Hintons Close.

Top panel shows stylized oak tree with three children and with an arch of acorns

and a scattering of oak leaves. Helmdon Acorns is stitched in brown on a neutral ground

with green surround. Front edge reads: Fun - Friendship in a banner held at each end by a child.

Three remaining sides densely filled with colourful images of games and toys.

No: 81

Mothers' Union (JO)

Stitched by Jenny Overson.

Commissioned by Norah Nicholls.

Dedicated to the memory of Miss Salmon, a long term and much loved Helmdon resident and member of the Mothers' Union. Top panel features a lily on a blue ground with a cross in each upper corner and the letters MU in blue and gold in lower corners.  Background in blue.

Front edge  reads: A (Nancy) Salmon

                               9.6.1890 - 9.2.1972

stitched in blue on gold ground. Remaining sides stitched in gold with decorative two-row band of Rhodes stitch throughout.

No: 82

Paddington Bear (JS)

Stitched by Jenny Saunders to promote 'Action Research'.

Jenny raises funds for this charity which supports research into childhood illnesses.

Top panel features Paddington Bear which is used as a logo by Action Research. It is edged with three rows of cross stitch in red and blue.

Front edge reads: Action Research stitched in gold.

Rear edge reads: It is more blessed to give than to receive

stitched in dark blue on gold.

Short sides are plain and stitched in gold.

No: 83

Snowdrops (GCW and AS 1997)

Stitched by Gill Watson and her mother Ann Samways.

Top panel has a rectangle with a group of four snowdrop flowers on a neutral ground surrounded by gold stitching. Front edge reads: All nature owns with one accord

                                                The great and universal Lord

stitched in green on a neutral ground. Other sides plain.

No: 84

Pansies (FT)

Cross ref. No:33

Stitched by Fee Taylor and Annette Guppy.

Commissioned by Jennifer Martin (sister of Sue Lidgley, Helmdon, and dedicated to the memory of their mother, Sally Payne.

Top panel has panels of pansies and central Cross in gold bordered with pansy colours.

Front edge reads: In the garden of memories it is always summer

(This is the same wording as No:33 which is dedicated to the memory of David Payne, their father.)

Rear edge reads: 1912 Sally Payne 1982

Short sides are plain.  There is gold stitching throughout using a variety of stitches including Hungarian, Rhodes, Long Legged Cross as well as Tent stitch.

Other kneelers with a Lidgley family connection are nos: 107.108,109.

No: 85

Spaniel Head (Golden) (JMH)

Cross ref. with No: 67

Stitched by Jeanne Hughes.

Dedicated to the memory of her father Charles (Jim) Fincken.

This golden spaniel, Susie, was his faithful pet.

The top panel shows the dog's head stitched in a green rectangle surrounded by gold stitching.

Front edge reads: 1913 CGF 1995

All other sides plain and stitched in gold.

No: 86

The Last Supper (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey for the Lady Chapel altar rail.

Measures 60" x 19*

Top panel shows Jesus and the disciples seated at the Last Supper table with a vine at each end of the panel.

All sides are plain.

All stitching outside the picture is in dark green.

Picture panel and top edge have defining edges stitched in Long Legged cross stitch in pale green, gold and red.

No: 87

Lily-of-the-Valley (DE)

Stitched by Doreen England in memory of her mother whose favourite flower was lily-of-the-valley.

Top panel shows a spray of lily-of-the-valley and this motif is repeated around three sides.

Front edge reads: 1919 R.Ayres 1983

This kneeler has a hanging D.Ring.

No: 88

W.V.S (MMG)

   (WVS later known as WRVS.)

Stitched by Mary Gidman.

Commissioned by Mike Gidman.

Dedicated to the memory of Mike's mother who was head of the Women's Voluntary Service in Nottinghamshire. She was awarded the OBE for her work.

Top panel shows WVS logo and the words Civil Defence stitched in red on a neutral ground and surrounded by grey and green stitching.  There is a Rose motif in shades of pink in each upper corner, other stitching in gold and the top edged with two rows of Cushion stitch in repeating shades of green and red. Front edge reads: 1891 P.M.G. 1979

Short sides show the OBE medal. Rear edge is plain.

This kneeler has a hanging D.Ring.

No: 89

Jewelled Cross (MG)

Stitched by Mary Gidman.

Central panel shows a jewelled cross on a beige ground enclosed by a blue border and this with a background of shades of gold.  Sides in gold with repeating cross motifs in a diamond.

Finished with a hanging loop and D. Ring which marks it as an early kneeler  – in fact the first one to be completed!

                                                No: 90

                                              Wedding Kneeler  (MG)       

                                       Stitched by Mary Gidman.

This kneeler is stored in the vestry.  It measures 52" in length. Top has a rose- stem motif around the 2 front corners and a dove in each of the upper                                                    quarters.                               

                 The central cartouche is outlined in red, and a white background

                                   surrounds a gold-coloured Cross.

                                  One long edge has the inscription:

                              God is Love, and those who live in love live in God,

                                              and God lives in them    1 John ch.4. v.16

                There is a further Cross at each end of the inscription.

               All the Crosses were designed by Mike Gidman (Mary's husband)

                                  just weeks before he died in 1995.

                                                            No: 91 (S6)

Central altar runner - already recorded in Altar Kneelers

                                           No: 91 A and B

Already recorded in Altar Kneelers

A Sanctuary Chair Seat Cushion

B Sanctuary Chair Back Cushion

                                                 No: 92

Alpha and Omega (MG)

Stitched by Mary Gidman.

Alpha and Omega symbols in red and green with central cross above and below, all on grey ground.  Borders around top panel and on short sides stitched in two shades of gold, with central cross motif on sides. Back edge has a cartouche enclosing hedgerow motif.

Front edge reads: I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending

                                                                                     Rev. 1 v. 8

No: 93

Easter Kneeler (MG)

Stitched by Mary Gidman.

Top panel has a draped cross with bright light behind and flowers in the foreground, all on a blue ground.  The long sides read: God so loved the world

                                                                        That he gave his only begotten son

                                Stitched with red lettering on a pale blue ground.

                        Short sides in Hungarian stitch in two shades of gold and brown.

No: 94

RAF Insignia (MMG)

Stitched by Mary Gidman in memory of her husband M.(Mike) J. Gidman 1920 - 1995.

The top panel shows RAF insignia on a blue ground enclosed by blue, white and maroon borders.

The rear edge reads: 1920 MJG 1995

The front edge reads: He cared greatly to serve God and the King

                                                              Sir Henry Newbolt

All lettering in blue on a pale blue ground.

No: 95

Hearts and Crosses (MG)

Stitched by Mary Gidman.

Top panel fully patterned with blue trellis design featuring red hearts and green crosses.

All sides plain and stitched in gold.

This kneeler mainly stitched while Mary was an in-patient at the Horton Hospital, Banbury.

No: 96

Cairn Terrier (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Mrs C.Terrey to celebrate the life of "Kim".

Top shows sitting dog with a ball on a lawn with a small triangle of garden at top left.

Front edge reads: A faithful companion

Rear edge reads: Kim, loving and true

Short sides plain and stitched in gold.

No: 97

Railway Bridge (SO)

Stitched by Shelia Oakey.

Commissioned by Mrs Hannah Haynes of Grange Farm; the lane under the bridge leads to her home.

Top panel shows an arched tunnel with a light at the end.  This image is flanked by trees and with grazing sheep in a meadow to the right hand side.

Top panel surrounded by decorative stitching in two shades of gold.

Front edge reads: A light to shine upon the road

                          That leads me to the Lamb

Rear edge reads:   Oh for a closer walk with God,

                             A calm and heavenly frame

Short sides stitched in plain gold tent stitch with small central Cross in white and gold and crossed crooks in grey.

No: 98

Celtic Cross  (NP)

Stitched by Niki Phillips.

Dedicated to the memory of Niki's husband, Robert Hugh Phillips.

Top panel has Celtic cross in gold and green in a gold rectangle edged with green.

Front edge reads:  1913 - 1997

Rear edge reads: R.H.P both stitched in green lettering on gold ground.

Short sides plain and stitched in gold.

No: 99

Six Flowers (PR)

Stitched by Peggy Ryalls in gratitude for recovering from illness.

Top panel divided into 6 rectangles depicting stylized flowers, largely in pink and white, including rose, clematis and fuchsia.  All stitches on a dark green ground.

Front edge reads: Now thank we all our God

                                            With heart and hands and voices

All other sides plain with decorative stitching in two shades of gold.

No: 100

Strawberry Thief (AS 1998)

Stitched by Ann Samways.

Commissioned by John and Geoff Watson and their families in memory of their mother, Janet Watson, Home Farm, Helmdon. Top panel shows a bird with a strawberry (based on a William Morris design) on a blue ground and with decorative strawberry border.

Front page reads: Janet Watson   Rear edge reads: 1927 - 1981

Remaining 3 sides feature garlands of roses in shades of pink with a gold background and surrounded by further decorative  stitching in gold.

No: 101

The Old Forge (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Susan and Elizabeth (Gladstone), dedicated to the memory of their mother

E.M. (Betty) Gladstone who lived at the Old Forge for 30 years from 1957.

Front edge reads: 1902 E.M. Gladstone 1988

stitched in green lettering on a neutral ground surrounded by gold stitching.

Rear edge and short sides all  plain and stitched in gold.

No: 102

War Memorial With Poppies (DE)

Stitched by Doreen England.

Dedicated to the memory of Doreen's aunt, Noreen White, acknowledging her contribution to the work of the British Legion over many years.

Top panel shows the war memorial with a spray of poppies at upper left and lower right.  The British Legion award given to Noreen for her work is shown at upper right and lower left. All on a gold ground. Front edge reads: We Will Remember Them

stitched in red on a neutral ground surrounded by gold stitching.

Rear edge and short sides also stitched in gold with single poppy motifs (3 along rear, 1 on each main short side).

No: 103 (SO)

In Memoriam. Harry and Minnie Watson (SO)

(Also recorded in KNEELERS IN THE CHOIR)

                                 Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Alan and Eileen Watson.

Dedicated to the memory of Harry and Minnie Watson (Alan's parents).

Top panel features a piano key board with a floral spray laid over and a small farmyard image at upper left. Words on top panel read: We hear music with our ears but feel it with our hearts

Minnie Watson was a long-standing member of the church choir and choral society as well as the joint choir of the church and chapel in the 1950s and 60s.

Front edge reads: Harry and Minnie Watson

with dates on each short side 1902 – 1990 and 1908 – 1989

No: 104

Garden Flowers (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Dedicated to the memory of Richard and Mildred Seckington.

Top panel divided into 6 rectangles each showing a flower - violet, rose, cowslip, primula,

bluebell, daisy - all on light brown ground. Front edge reads: Richard & Mildred Seckington

stitched in blue lettering. Rear edge plain.

Short sides give dates 1875-1933 and 1882-1953.

No: 105

Hosannah (Palm Sunday) (MN)

Stitched by Mary Nash.

Commissioned by Bill Walsh and dedicated to the memory of his wife, Dolly.

Top panel shows Jesus on a donkey riding past a small crowd with palms.

There are semi-circles of palms above and below the images.

Front edge reads: 1919 Doris Mary Walsh 1996 in plum coloured lettering on a gold stitched rectangle edged with green Cross Stitch. Rear edge is plain, stitched in gold.

Short sides in gold, each with a Cross motif in 2 shades of green.

No:106

Magnolia Tree with Owl (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Mrs Nancy Wheeler and dedicated to the memory of Miss Nora Nicholls.  Nancy and Norah were very great friends for many years.  Miss Nicholls lived at Bridge House, Helmdon, which has a striking magnolia tree in the garden.  She was "Brown Owl" to the Helmdon Brownies from April 1961 until December 1977. Top panel shows the flowering magnolia tree with a large image of an owl perched in the branches.  Top panel also has a gold Cross.

Front edge reads:  1914 Nora Nicholls 1998

in dark gold stitching in a pale gold rectangle and surrounded by further decorative gold stitching.

Rear edge shows Brownies with their Toadstool. Short sides stitched in gold, one with a Brownie badge and the other with a pet dog motif.

No: 107

Trowel with Decoration (MR)

Cross Reference to Nos. 33 and 84

Stitched by Margaret Reardon.

Commissioned by Susan and Peter Lidgley and dedicated to the memory of Peter's brother and his wife.

Top panel shows a garden trowel with a wren perched on the handle and a spray of leaves with flowers in yellow, pink and red.  This image in a gold rectangle edged in russet and surrounded by further decorative bands of gold stitching.

  Front edge reads: 1928 Daphne Lidgley 1996

Rear edge reads:1927 John Lidgley 1998

All writing stitched in russet with gold rectangle edged with russet.

One short side reads: Perry Oak  This is the name of the cottage in Seer Green where John and Daphne Lidgley spent all their married life.

Second short side reads:  Seer Green, Bucks

No: 108 Robin (MR)

Cross Reference to Nos. 33 and 84

Stitched by Margaret Reardon.

Commissioned by Susan Lidgley and dedicated to the memory of her husband, Peter.

Top panel shows a plump robin with worm and perched on a snow covered spade handle. Image is in a rectangle on neutral ground edged in brown and surrounded by decorative stitching in gold.

    Front edge reads:

        1933 Peter George Lidgley 1998

    A kind and gentle man

  Rear edge reads:

          In the garden of memories

       It is always Summer

Short sides plain.

(Note: This is quoted on 2 other kneelers associated with Lidgley - see Nos: 33 and 84.  Other Lidgley kneelers Nos: 107 and 109.)

No: 109

Sitting Dog, black and white (SO)

Cross Reference to Nos. 33 and 84

Stitched by Sheila Oakey

Commissioned by Susan Lidgley to commemorate the life of the family dog "Benje" - he was easily identified in the village as he ended his days with only 3 legs having had the fourth limb amputated.

Top panel shows a sitting dog, black with white chest in a rectangle on a neutral ground edged with green Cross Stitch border and surrounded by further decorative gold stitching.

Front edge reads: 1982 Benje 1998

3 remaining sides are plain and stitched in gold.

No: 110

Two Floral Sprays With Tulips

Stitched by Annette Guppy.

Commissioned by Henry Gidman and Joyce Beech in memory of Henry's mother, Mary Gidman.

Top panel has bouquets with pink tulips tied with pink ribbon.  A Cross in 2 shades of green is stitched centrally between the flowers.

Front edge reads: 1921 Mary Gidman 1998 in green lettering on gold ground.

Rear edge plain, stitched in gold.

Two short sides stitched in gold, one with a Tibetan spaniel head; Mary was a breeder for more than 25 years and also judged.  Second side has a pair of tortoises - Mary kept these and is known to have had one for more than 60 years, recently reported to have died aged almost 100 years!  Mary was also a keen flower arranger and needlewoman with a legacy of many kneelers in the church.

No: 111

Celtic Symbol Triquetra (LW & SO)

Stitched by Lesley Ward and Sheila Oakey.

Lesley began this kneeler but became very ill and died before she could complete it.  Shelia Oakey took over the stitching and dedicated the kneeler to the memory of Lesley.

Top panel shows Celtic symbol for the Trinity - a Triquetra (Latin meaning three-cornered).  This is a holy symbol with many interpretations in addition to the Trinity.  Symbol stitched in pink and red on gold and surrounded by a strong geometric border in the same colours.  Repeated on short sides.

Front edge reads: 1945 Lesley Ann Ward 1997

Rear edge reads: I am the Lord of the Dance said he

Both edges stitched in same colour combinations as above.

No: 112

Village View (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Dr. Cynthia Rowbury and dedicated to the memory of her parents, Richard and Sarah Rowbury.

Richard Rowbury was Rector of Helmdon from 1952 - 67 and died while in office.

Kneeler top is fully covered by a rural scene around a central church in a rolling landscape of fields and trees.  Images include acorns and oak leaves, owl, squirrel, badger, mole and 2 toadstools.

Front edge reads:  Richard and Sarah Rowbury

                                                             1910 - 1967                1912 - 1999                                   

Stitched in blue on gold ground. Rear edge stitched in gold with central Cross motif.

Short sides plain and stitched in gold.

(Note: There is a brass Cross with a dedication to Richard Rowbury on the south arch at the Chancel steps.)

No: 113

Kingfisher (SO 1999)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by Peter and Pauline Payne and dedicated to the memory of their son, Philip.

Top panel shows a kingfisher with bull-rushes on a grey blue ground in a rectangle enclosed by dark blue stitching, motif surrounded by further decorative stitching in gold.

The kingfisher was Philip's favourite bird and he often saw one whilst out fishing.

Front edge reads:1964 Philip John Payne 1998

stitched in blue, surrounded by gold stitching.

Rear edge reads: A kind young man, loved by everyone

also stitched in blue with gold surround. Short sides plain.

No: 114

Maltese Cross (GP 1999)

Stitched by Gladys Pomfret.

Dedicated to the memory of her husband, Walter.

Top panel shows a Maltese Cross in shades of red with a blue edge.  Motif is in a neutral rectangle and further enclosed in a gold diamond edged with green.  Red rose at upper right and lower left corners, yellow rose at upper left and white rose at lower right. The Maltese Cross represents Walter's 5 years based in Malta during his army career.

Front edge reads: Walter Pomfret 1913 - 97

Rear edge reads: Pax Vobiscum (Peace with You) and both stitched in red on gold.

Short sides in gold, one with a Cross motif and the other with a rose.

No: 115

Magnolia Spray (JMH)

Stitched by Jan Harrold.

Commissioned by Cec and Jan Harrold and dedicated to the memory of Cec's parents,

Top panel shows white magnolia spray on gold ground.

The magnolia represents the tree under which the ashes of Cec's parents are buried.

Front edge reads:   Cicely Harrold

                              1908 - 1984

stitched in dark green in pale green rectangle.

Rear edge reads:    John Harrold

                                1896 - 1985

stitched as above. All other stitching in gold.

Short sides in gold, one has a spray of roses, second side shows a one-legged blackbird.  This bird was special to Cec's mother who regularly fed it as the bird came to tap on the window when he wanted food!

No: 116

Scout Badge (ES)

Stitched by Edith Shellard, former leader of the Helmdon Scouts.

Top panel shows the scout badge in purple and white on a gold ground.

Front edge reads:1st Helmdon in white on green.

Rear edge reads:  Be Prepared   also in white on green.

All other stitching in gold with one small (unidentified) symbol on each short side.

No: 117

Hereford Cattle (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Dedicated to the memory of B.F. ("Jock") Humphrey.

Top panel shows 2 Hereford cattle in a field with trees behind the fence line.

Front edge reads: Benjamin Frank Humphrey

                                    1915 - 1996

in green lettering. All other stitching in gold on 3 remaining sides.

No: 118

Crown of Thorns (ZB)

Stitched by Zena Balch.

Top panel has a pale green rectangle with a crown of dark pink thorns

and red Crosses in each corner. All sides plain and stitched in 2 shades of gold.

No: 119

The Rectory (SO)

Stitched by Sheila Oakey.

Commissioned by the Ball family.

Top panel shows Helmdon Rectory.

The Rev'd Robert Ball was Rector of Helmdon 1939 - 48

Front edge reads: Helmdon Rectory - "Our Home"

                           March 1939 - December 1948

                                   The Ball Family

Rear edge reads:    In God we Trust

All lettering in black on gold. Short sides in gold each with a central Cross outlined in black.

No: 120

Oak Leaves and Acorns (LGB)

Stitched by Pauline Butler and dedicated to the memory of her daughter-in-law, Judy, who had been closely involved with the Helmdon Pre-School Group, "Acorns".

Top panel shows a spray of acorns and oak leaves and motif repeated on short sides.

Front edge reads: Judith Mary Butler

Rear edge reads: 29 April 1964 - 17 March 2012

Initials LGB to identify "Little Graddy Butler", the grandchildren's name for Pauline.

The background stitching in Tent Stitch in a rich gold colour.

No: 121

Stem of Orange Lilies

Stitched by Margaret Reardon.

Dedicated to the memory of Betty Kirkup.

Top panel shows a stem of orange lilies on a pale gold ground, surrounded

by decorative stitching in 2 shades of gold.

Front edge reads:1925 Betty Kirkup 1999 stitched in brown on gold.

Rear edge reads: Forever in our thoughts,

stitched as above. Short sides stitched in bands of decorative stitching in 2 shades of gold,

one with a squirrel motif, the other with a Cross.

No: 122

Interlocking Squares with Flower Heads

Stitcher unknown.

Top panel in gold with central blue Cross and 5 small interlocking squares,

each with a flower head including rose, pansy and sunflower. All sides are plain and stitched in gold.

No: 123

Arched Window with Garden View (DE)

Stitched by Doreen England, commissioned by the Brooks family, and dedicated to the memory of Philip Brooks. Top panel shows part of a garden with flowers, including daffodils, and a rabbit.  The scene is set in an arched window and surrounded by gold stitching.

Front edge reads: 1935 Philip John Brooks 1988

in green lettering on a paler green ground.

Rear edge and short sides all in gold with a Cross motif in green.

ection 3Section6

Section 6

RINGING CHAMBER

No:124 A, B and C

Ringing Chamber Seat Cushion

left hand side

                                                centre

                                           right hand side

Stitched by Sheila Oakey and Joe Glenham to celebrate the raising of the Ringing Chamber in 2008.

This shallow cushion has shaped ends and measures 59" along the top and 68" along the bottom.

The top shows two panels, each of three bells, increasing in size at the centre.  The bells are in Cross Stitch using various shades of gold and all on a maroon ground in Hungarian Stitch.  The motifs are enclosed within a white Brick Stitch border.  The panels have a blue geometric shaped background.

The central motif is the Daisy as seen in the Altar runners and Sanctuary cushions.

Below this is the Helmdon viaduct as seen on the front edge of the Noah's Ark set of kneelers.  Above is a panel reading "St Mary Magdalene".

The remaining background is stitched in Hungarian Stitch using various mixed shades of green and blue.  All sides are plain. The cushion is enclosed in a green linen cover with a zip fastener.

Section 7

BANNERS

B1 Original Mothers' Union Banner, Helmdon Branch

This banner is 24" wide and has a maximum depth of 40".  Both the front and the back are of cream Damask with 5 hanging tabs and a gold and cream fringe along the v-shaped lower edge.

Matching stems of lilies are embroidered along each side of the banner in cream and green threads.  All details of flowers and leaves are outlined in couched gold braid.  The letters "MU", cut from a blue Damask, have been applied at the top of the banner and are outlined with a couched gold cord.  "Helmdon" is applied in the same way across the bottom and is contained within a panel defined by gold cord

The Banner was made by John(?) Hoy of Glebe Farm, Helmdon.  It was commissioned for the branch by the Rev'd Robert Ball, Rector of Helmdon from March 1939 until December 1948.  The date of the banner is uncertain but believed to be 1942.   Mr Hoy had lost both legs following injuries received during the First World War and after that had mastered the skill of ecclesiastical embroidery. The banner fabric is now seriously degraded and too fragile to use but the banner remains on display in the Sanctuaary.

Mr Hoy is known to have made a Stole for the Revd. Ball, and may have made other items for the Church, including Altar Frontals, but this cannot now be confirmed.  The information recorded here was provided by Joan McCann (née Ball) a child in the Rectory when the banner was made.  She later moved permanently to Australia but continued to visit Helmdon on each of her regular trips to England.

B2 Banner For Astwell Group Branch Of the Mothers' Union

(This name was given when the branch reformed in 2001 and 6 local churches had combined to form the Astwell benefice.)

This banner is 21" wide and has a maximum depth of 41½". It was stitched in 2016 by Jenny Saunders, M.U. member and branch secretary.

This is made from a pre-printed design showing a flight of cranes crossing an undulating foreground into a moon-lit sky.  The design is highlighted and outlined with quilting, using back-stitch, in a gold thread. 

It is edged throughout with a golden cord.  The banner has plain blue panels above and below the design; the upper panel has "Astwell" machine-embroidered in dense gold lettering and, in the same style, the letters "MU" are shown below.  A plump gold tassel hangs at the centre of the v-shaped lower edge.  

The banner is backed with strong blue cotton and threaded onto a rod through 5 tabs.  It hangs on a pole and is further secured to the pole lower down through a velcro-fastening loop.

The banner is permanently displayed in the Sanctuary but may be taken to M.U. services in other churches across the Benefice, and also to Peterborough Cathedral.

B3 Baptism Banner

This banner measures 21" wide and has a maximum depth of 31".  It hangs on a blue pole from a rod hung on a cord with tasselled ends.

The banner is made from a pre-printed fabric illustrating a farm yard.  It shows a fenced field scattered with flowers, and a path leads to a red farm building topped with a weather vane and a stout chimney.  The animals shown include a horse, cow, sheep, pig, geese and duck with ducklings.  The scarecrow has a red jacket and blue trousers.  Two large crows perch on the fence and a butterfly and a pair of birds flutter amongst the clouds in the blue sky.  All motifs have been high-lighted with outline quilting.

The words "We welcome" have been added across the bottom of the picture and there are further small panels below to complete the base of the banner which is hung with two tassels.  Also on the front is a series of loops made to secure and display the names of those most recently baptised.

A "Mothers' Union" logo sticker has been placed in the golden sun at the top of the picture.  The banner is backed with a neutral slub cotton with a pocket to hold the name slips when they are moved from the front to the back of the banner.

This banner was made by Jenny Saunders on behalf of the Mothers' Union in 2006 and is permanently displayed in the Children's Corner.

KNEELER CATEGORIES

IN MEMORIAM

No.E2  Sheila Oakey

No.S1  G.M. and J.E. Ryland

No.S2  Jack Ayres

No.S3  Norman Richardson

No.S4  Ruth Ipgrave

No.S5   Frederick and Violet Rogers

No. 1 "Charlie", labrador of the Balch family

No. 4   Phil Watson

No. 5  Ida Blanche Butler

No. 7  Richard Louis Collett

No. 8  A.W. Duncombe

No. 9  Clara and Louis Ayres

No.13  William J. Chester

No.15  W.J. and E.F. Guppy

No.16  William Michael John and Constance Mary Grace McNamara

No.17  Louise and Jack Holloway

No.19  Veronica (née Davies)

No.21  E. and B. Mander

No.32  S. Bearman

No.33  David Payne

No.35  George Seckington

No.49  Michael Cordeaux Gidman

No.51  A.M.E. Hobbs

No.59  Alice, Jimmy and Betty Townsend

No.60  Robert Richardson

No.61  George and Roger Shellard

No.64  G.D.P. (sister to Avril Wonnacott)

No.66  Herbert, Bob, Mont and Ted Saunders

No.67  K.A. Fincken

No.68  Dunblane Massacre 1996

No.69  Charles F. Golton

No.70  Edith Reardon

No.71  E.L. Radford

No.72  Daphne Reynolds

No.73  Joseph Bearman

No.74  Janet Lugg

No.75  Harry and Gwen Cleaver

No.76  Gran and Grandad Palmer, Grandad Butler

No.78  Matilda and Stanley Hall

No.81  Miss A. (Nancy) Salmon

No.84  Sally Payne

No.85  Charles (Jim) Fincken

No.87  R. Ayres

No.88  P.M. Gidman

No.94  M. (Mike) J. Gidman

No.96  "Kim", cairn terrier of the Terrey family

No.98   Robert Hugh Phillips

No.100 Janet Watson

No.101 E.M. (Betty) Gladstone

No.102 Noreen White

No.103 Harry and Minnie Watson

No.104 Richard and Mildred Seckington

No.105 Doris (Dolly) Mary Walsh

No.106 Miss Nora Nicholls

No.107 Daphne and John Lidgley

No.108 Peter George Lidgley

No.109 "Benje", pet of Lidgley family

No.110 Mary Gidman

No.111 Lesley Ann Ward

No.112 Richard and Sarah Rowbury

No.113 Philip John Payne

No.114 Walter Pomfret

No.115 Cecily and John Harrold

No.117.Benjamin (Jock) Frank Humphrey

No.120 Judith Mary Butler

No.121 Betty Kirkup

No.123 Philip John Brooks

ANIMALS (Excluding Noah’s Ark) 

No. 1    Black Labrador

No. 32  Ponies

No. 50  Lambs

No. 51  Fox at Night

No. 67  Blue Roan Spaniel

No. 85  Golden Spaniel

No. 96  Cairn Terrier

No.109 Sitting Dog

No.117 Hereford Cattle

BELLS

No.15   Bell (JG)

No.16   Bell (EJS)

No.124 Seat cushion in Ringing Chamber

BIRDS

No. 29  Magpies

No. 45  Pair of yellow birds

No.100 Strawberry Thief (William Morris design)

No. 64  Mynah Bird

No. 108 Robin

No. 113 Kingfisher

CELTIC SYMBOLS, PRAYERS and HYMNS

NO. 7   Celtic Cross

No. 98  Celtic Cross

No. 28  Celtic Grace – Deep Peace of the Running Wave to you

No. 63  “Peace”

No.111  Celtic Symbol in pink and red – Triquetra

No. 47  Eternal Father (Strong to Save)

No. 42  All Things Bright & Beautiful

CHRISTMAS

No.22  The Nativity

No.40  St Nicholas

No.72  The Three Wise Men (Epiphany)

FOR CHILDREN

Noah’s Ark set

Sunday School Kneeler No. 77 Prie Dieu in Lady Chapel

FRUIT & VEGETABLES – HARVEST

NO. 8   Multiple fruit images

No. 35  Ring of Cauliflowers

No. 45  Wheatsheaf

GARDENS

No. 49  Summer Garden

No. 70  Watering Can and Daisies

No. 107 Decorated Trowel

No. 123 Garden View through a Window

HELMDON CHURCH

No. 79  Rectory Cat in Church Window

No. 77  Sunday School

No. 30  Campiun Window

HOLY SYMBOLS

No.10    Grapes and Chalice

No. 62   Grapes

No. 20   Blue Cross

No. 89   Jewelled Cross

No. 21   Open Bible

No. 75   Open Bible

No. 39   Arched stained glass window

No. 92   Alpha and Omega

No. 118  Crown of Thorns

No. 38    Fish

No. 93    Draped Cross (Easter)

MISCELLANEOUS

No. 31 Candle

No. 34 Shepherd's Crooks

No. 44 Key of the Unknown

No. 48 Shepherd's Crooks (AO)

No. 95 Heart & Crosses

NATIONAL REFERENCES

No. 78  Thistles

No. 68  Dunblane Massacre

No. 64  New Zealand

No. 114 Malta

No. 15  Australian Homestead

No. 16  Ayres Rock (Uluru), Australia

NATURE AND FLOWERS

No. 3 Spray of Blue Flowers

No. 5 Violets

No. 6 Dandelion

No. 14 Blue Butterfly

No. 17 Six Garden Flowers

No. 18 Lily

No. 19 Yellow Rose

No. 25 Daffodil

No. 26 Rose

No. 27 Daisy (PS) & no. 57 Daisy (J0)

No. 33 Floral Sprays

No. 41 Blackberry Stem

No. 73 Symbols of Rural Life (stag’s head, pheasant, etc.)

No. 76 Rural Life (4 animals – fox, squirrel, rabbit, hedgehog)

No. 83 Snowdrops

No. 84 Pansies

No. 87 Lily of the Valley

No. 99 Six Flowers (pink & white – including rose, clematis, fuchsia)

No. 104 Garden Flowers (violet, rose, cowslip, primula, bluebell, daisy)

No. 106 Magnolia Tree

No. 110 Two Floral Sprays with Tulips

No. 121 Orange Lilies

No. 120 Oak Leaves and Acorns

No. 122 Interlocking Floral Squares (including rose, pansy, sunflower)

No. 58 Tulips

No. 59 Anemones

No. 42 Rainbow

Nos.53, 54, 55, 56 – The Four Seasons

NOVEMBER 11^th REMEMBRANCE DAY

No. 4   Poppies

No.102 War Memorial

VILLAGE ARCHITECTURE & ORGANISATIONS

No. 9    Helmdon Viaduct

No. 23   Helmdon Post Office

No. 37  Great Central Railway (coat of arms)

No. 66  Helmdon Signal Box

No. 71  Helmdon Reading Room

No 101 Old Forge Cottage

No.119 The Rectory (now Helmdon House)

No. 65  WI (Women’s Institute)

No. 69  WEA (Workers’ Educational Association)

Nos.80 & 120 Helmdon Acorns

No. 81  MU (Mothers’ Union)

OTHER ORGANISATIONS

No.  82 Action Research

No.  88 Women’s Voluntary Service (WVS) later Women’s Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS)

No.  94 Royal Air Force insignia

No. 116 Scouts

CONTRIBUTING STITCHERS

Contributor's work can be seen in the Photo Album in the Church as listed below.

Note:  In the text, initials after a kneeler title indicate that the identifying initials are also stitched in the work.

Names given are at the time of stitching.

Zena Balch   pp.22, 31, 46, 89

Wendy Bearman   pp. 47, 66

Jean Brookhouse   p. 67

Jane Brown   pp.31, 32

Pauline Butler   pp.4, 32, 66, 68, 90

Dorothy Cernick   p. 65

Sue Coates  p.33

Eileen Collett  p.33

Margaret Duncombe   p.34

Doreen England  pp.3, 34, 35 74, 81, 91

Mary Gidman pp. 5, 6, 7,35, 36, 37, 47, 64, 74, 75, 76, 77

Lyndsey Glassett p. 37

Joe Glenham p. 38

Sally Griffiths pp. 38, 68

Annette Guppy pp. 39, 40, 41, 51, 64, 72

Ron Guppy p. 39

Eric Hall p. 69

Ann Harman pp. 42, 43 48

Jan Harrold pp. 2, 87

Helmdon School pp. 22 - 30

Helmdon Stitchers’ Group p.2

Jeanne Hughes pp. 63, 72

Con Humphrey p.8

Liz Humphrey (Mrs D.) pp. 43, 44

Lizzie Humphrey (Mrs G.) p.48

Pam Jeffs p. 44

Sue Mantle pp. 45, 46

Mary Nash pp. 49, 50, 69, 83

Ann Oakey pp. 54, 70

Sheila Oakey pp. 2, 8, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 63, 70, 73, 78, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 88, 89, 92

Jenny Overson pp. 58, 70

Niki Phillips p. 79

Gladys Pomfret  p. 87

Margaret Reardon  pp. 1, 59, 65, 83. 84, 90

Sylvia Richardson pp. 3, 60

Peggy Ryalls pp. 62, 79

Ann Samways pp. 71, 80

Jenny Saunders p. 71

Edith Shellard pp. 60, 88 

Fee Taylor pp. 64, 72

Lesley Ward pp. 61, 85

Gill Watson p. 71

Avril Wonnacott pp. 61, 62

Stitchers unknown for:

S4         Ruth Ipgrave in Memoriam,

No.110  Mary Gidman in Two Floral Sprays with Tulips

No.122  Six interlocking floral squares

E.&OE.