Snapshots of village life quite sew thanks to embroiderers

But a 5ft square embroidery charting life in a rural community in North Yorkshire has been finished and will now take pride of place in the village church.

A group of 16 villagers from Leavening, between York and Malton, has worked tirelessly to complete the work, which will go on display in the village’s Church of the Venerable Bede. And Margaret Sentamu, the wife of the Archbishop of York, is due to officially unveil the embroidery next month.

It includes a dozen panels detailing seasonal events, such as Bonfire Night celebrations, carol singing and the village fete.

Four other panels mark the 25th anniversary of the Yorkshire Countrywomen’s Association as well as showing the church before its recent renovations, a former Methodist Chapel which is now a house, and a map of the village.

Christine Addley, who has lived in Leavening for the last 22 years, designed the embroidery with Roberta Harte.

Mrs Addley said: “The best thing about the project is that it has brought the village together and generated a real community spirit.”

More than £1,500 has been raised to pay for the embroidery. An open day will be held at the church on July 30.