Tree of Life has taken root
What is 24- feet long, nearly ten feet wide, and taken many pairs of hands three years to make?
The Great Wall Hanging of Troon, that’s what.
A band of 16 ladies from St Ninian’s Episcopal Church have been working on a magnificent tapestry which it is hoped will be seen by many generations into the future.
A recent open day also gave the public the chance to add a stitch and one day be part of history.
The tapestry was conceived by Rector Tom Montgomery and designed and managed by Troon artist Tizzy Cottingham and Sheona Wilson, both members of the congregation.
Tizzy said: “It has been three years of Saturday mornings and we have formed a real bond.
“We hope this will be the beginning of a year of celebration rather than the end.”
A core team of between 16 and 20 ladies from Troon and district have been working at the needles under the direction of Tizzie and Sheona.
It will be completed and officially hung in the church hall above the arched entrance to the kitchen at the end of June.
Although originally planned to be all appliquéed work, as the project developed the many skills of the crafters were included and there are now parts which are knitted and crocheted.
The wall- hanging team have visited the six Marr feeder schools and pupils given the opportunity to make leaves to sew onto it.
Visitors were encouraged to sew on leaves and branches and make their mark.
At the heart of the Wall Hanging is the Tree of Life – which gives evidence of the fruits of life in the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness and self control. The hundreds of leaves show the four seasons as the tree moves through spring, summer, autumn and winter. In the canopy birds and blossoms are also seen as they inhabit the foliage and branches.
The Celtic knot depicted in stone and fabric throughout the centuries, is shown in the wall hanging at the foot of the tree where the roots burrow into the earth, receive life- giving food from composts, animals, berries and fruits. Then, once again after a long winter, return to life through the love of God in nature.
The wall hanging is a community project and the various group activities enjoyed in Troon are also depicted in the appliqué and stitching – sailing, rowing, golf, the Lifeboat and the two helicopters carrying out lifesaving work by coastguards.
Beneath the tree is St Ninian’s Church where anyone can come and encounter prayer, healing and hope.
The idea of a community wall hanging involving young and old – children from all of the local primary schools cut out leaves for the tree – proved that it is possible to work with one another in church surroundings and discover new skills, make friends and celebrate a wonderful achievement which will hang on St Ninian’s Church wall for many years.