Tapestry is unveiled at St Ninian’s

It’s on the wall – at last.

After three years of planning and incredible stitching the Troon Wall Hanging was unveiled on Friday June 15 at St Ninian’s Scottish Episcopal Church.

The magnificent tapestry conceived by local artist Tizzy Cottingham spans the arch in the large hall and is a riot of colour taking the Tree of Life through the seasons from Spring to Winter.

A core team of 16 sewers were largely responsible, with help on leaves from hundreds of town school children.

Rector Tom Montgomery welcomed the Right Rev. Gregor Duncan, Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway, Sally Magnusson, BBC Presenter, children from all of the local Primary Schools in Troon and Dundonald and Marr College, Lucinda Rivers, Head of Unicef Scotland, June Stefani, Marr Cluster Chair. William Grant, Deputy Provost, South Ayrshire and Richard Woods, Pastor Seagate Church, Mission International.

Also present were representatives from all of the Troon Churches, the ladies who worked on the Wall Hanging and members of organisations within the community.

It is 24 feet long, ten feet wide and features Troon landmarks and activities such as golf.

Rector Tom Montgomery in his opening welcome explained the work and thought behind the making of the tapestry. The Right Rev Gregor Duncan Bishop of Glasgow and Galloway carried out the Act of Dedication In her Address, Sally Magnusson spoke about the dedication of the needlewomen and the magnificent tapestry which will grace the walls of St Ninian’s for many years. She emphasised the great work carried out by UNICEF especially in Haiti and congratulated the children who had been involved in the sewing of leaves on the tapestry. She launched the Year of the Child which will continue in Troon with special events. Her message to the children - you are important, you have rights and you will be respected.

A short Address was given by June Stefani, Marr Cluster. A cheque for £ 1000 was presented to Lucinda Rivers, Head of UNICEF Scotland who congratulated the children of Troon and Dundonald on their fund raising and involvement in the work of UNICEF.

Pastor Richard Woods, Seagate Church received a cheque for £ 2500 and this will go to the continuing work of Mission International which is providing schools and education for children in Haiti.

The highlight of the service was the delightful singing from the Cluster Choir – 8 children from each of the Primary Schools in Troon, Marr and Dundonald. It was stunning and congratulations go to the Choir Leader Tracey Nelson.

This service was about the Troon Wall Hanging but it also emphasised the importance of children and their rights to be listened to and respected.

Donation Richard Woods ( Pastor for Seagate Church) accepts a cheque for £ 2,500 on behalf of the charity Help For Haiti from Sophie Abbott ( Muirhead Primary) left and Aimee Nicholson ( Troon Primary).

Check it out Lucinda Rivers ( President of UNICEF Scotland) accepts a cheque for £ 1,000 from Kerr Johnson ( Barassie Primary) and Honor Steele ( Struthers Primary).

Writing on the wall Margaret Short left and Jennifer Laurie were just two of the craftworkers who contributed to the work.

Rejoice Canon Archie Brown, Canon Tom Montgomery, Bishop Gregor Duncan and Reverend David Prentice- Hyres.

Feel the beat Singing from the Troon and Marr Community Choir led by teacher Tracy Nelson.

Respect for children BBC presenter Sally Magnusson.