THE unveiling of a new wall hanging for St Petrock’s Church, Timberscombe, took place at the weekend for the first time in 300 years.

The wall hanging, or reredos, was created by sewing enthusiasts and crafters in the village and represents a multi-faceted panorama of local scenes, buildings, aspects, features, pets, and wildlife in an artistic fabric collage.

The reredos was suspended from a customised rail behind the altar and held in place by delicately wrought hooks made by master craftsman and village resident Jim Horrobin.

Gabrielle Horrobin created the gilded filial work to give gravitas and balance to the overall appearance.

Villagers in Timberscombe enjoyed a family barbecue as a new reredos was unveiled in St Petrock's Church.
Villagers in Timberscombe enjoyed a family barbecue as a new reredos was unveiled in St Petrock's Church. PHOTO: Sophie Melrose. ( )

The last time the parish church was known to have a reredos was the early 1720s.

On Saturday, there was a constant flow of visitors to preview the new reredos up close and appreciate the level of craftsmanship and storytelling woven into the fabric of the hanging.

More than 100 people saw and admired it, with many pondering on what the next project by the Timberscombe sewing and crafting group might be.

A photographic exhibition by local farmer Michael Reed was also enjoyed, representing years of acute local observation.

With the warm and sunny weather, the take-up for a family BBQ accompanied by live music in the nearby Church Field was also good.

Take three chefs - Martin Leggatt, Lawrence Pelleuve, and Mick O'Connell prepare a barbecue for Timberscombe residents and visitors as a reredos was unveiled in St Petrock's Church.
Take three chefs - Martin Leggatt, Lawrence Pelleuve, and Mick O'Connell prepare a barbecue for Timberscombe residents and visitors as a reredos was unveiled in St Petrock's Church. PHOTO: Richard Jeffrey. ( )

The official unveiling then took place on Sunday morning, to be close to the official feast day of the saint, when the Rev Nicola Butt replaced her regular service with a special one to dedicate the wall hanging and to thank everybody involved in its creation.

Churchwarden Marion Jeffrey said: “We cannot thank our kind and generous community enough who came along to view a new church heirloom, and to enjoy a happy village afternoon with lots of fun and laughter.

“Our thanks to everybody who assisted in any way, and we are all delighted that this event had the beneficial effect of raising just under £800 as much-needed funds to help keep the village church in good order.”

The church is open every day for visitors from 9am to 5pm.