Kneeler depicting the Reading Room in Helmdon

The stitched kneelers in the Church were begun in 1993 by Jenny Overson and Annette Guppy, and the work carries on organised by Margaret Reardon, Mary Nash and Sheila Oakey. Some of the designs feature local buildings and views.

Very many people have contributed their skill, including all the children who were in the school when the Noah's Ark set was started. Indeed, Helmdon children continue stitching the kneelers on Monday afternoons. Every child stitches, even the 4 -5 year olds, and they are brilliant. It takes approximately four terms to compete two kneelers!

From 1999 a photographic record (available to look at in the church) has been made with the names of stitchers and explanations of some of the designs. John Roberts took the early pictures and now Sue Lidgley is the photographer. Ron and Annette Guppy continue to update the album pages from their home in France.

Koalas in cross stitch

The group worked exceedingly hard to have the choir kneelers in church before "The Millennium". Now the first kneelers with "2000" stitched into them have appeared in the church.

The group meets each month and have started choir seat cushions incorporating wools kindly donated by Miss Thornicroft, who has moved to Brackley. They are continuing to undertake commissioned work, but not as kneelers, as seat cushions.

The group would warmly welcome more stitchers. Please contact anyone at the church.