The Tapestry of Renfrew is set to tell the story of the Old County of Renfrew that today includes Inverclyde, East Renfrewshire and Renfrewshire, dating from the 16th century to the present.

The project's first phase has been under way since 2016, focussing on the history and heritage of Paisley. To date, 11 panels have been drafted and a team of over 300 volunteer stitchers working to tell the story of Paisley and their communities. You can find out more about the this stage of the project, and the beautiful works that are being created, by visiting the Renfrewshire Tapestry website http://www.renfrewshiretapestry.org.uk/

The  Renfrewshire Tapestry Group, are applying to Leader for funding for delivery of the project across communities in  rural  Renfrewshire, East Renfrewshire  and Inverclyde.  This phase of the project is descried as the “Tapestry of Renfrew: Rural Reams” .  I have attached a project brief which tells you a little more about the bigger project, as well as the rural project (Threads Across the County: Rural Reams).  . 

We think this will be great project for the  rural communities involved,  allowing a number of things to happen including celebrating and capturing local history in a Tapestry panel and a collection of stitched samplers; preserving local skills and heritage (embroidery) and sharing these with a new generation, bringing people to together and reducing isolation and getting involved in a larger project, with all the benefits that can come from that. 

If successful, there will be events, workshops and stitching, story-telling and  film-making training sessions with the community and  local children plus targeted support for unemployed and disadvantaged groups.   The project is basically about community building through tapestry, reskilling and creating opportunities.

Before we get to that stage, we need to be able to demonstrate to our funders (Leader, in this instance) that there is interest and a demand for the project. 

To this effect, I am asking for a letters of support for the project. A simple letter saying you support this arts-based community development project, with its aims of reducing social isolation and loneliness, and its emphasis on celebrating local heritage and history.

Please ensure the letter is addressed to:

Mary McKeown (Chair)

The Renfrewshire Tapestry Group

c/o Paisley Abbey

Abby Close

Paisley

PA1 1JG

And headed   “Threads Across the County (Rural Reams)” 

Thankyou

 

(Background info)

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