80 metres of History – Longingly Stitched, arrives at St Giles’ Church
The
Longest
Yarn
Through our connections with St Giles’ Church we were invited to meet the team behind Wrexham’s latest specialist attraction, which have been on display in the church from 5-29 October. It is one of their highlights in their busy annual calendar of popular events.
We met Alison Watkin over a cup of tea in the nearby Hope House Street Church cafe to find out more about the exhibition.
We wanted to find out why it’s come all the way to Wrexham, the contribution our local community has made, and the impact it has made to thousands.
Making A
Difference
“You don’t have to be a global organisation to make a difference.” Alison said, when she opened our conversation. The former Partnerships Manager at Wrexham Council, retired this summer but was keen to see the project, which began during her time in the role, brought to fruition.
Remembering
Those Who
Gave So Much
The Longest Yarn is an amazing story, created through thousands of hours and by many highly skilled individuals in both knitting and crochet, telling the remarkable story of Britain during the Second World War through 80 hand-crafted scenes.
80 Scenes
80 Years Ago
Initially created to mark the 80th anniversary and celebrations of VE Day that took place in May 1945, marking the final end of the Second World War. Wrexham held its own D-Day parade back on 6th June 2024, where we captured these images below;
The tour today is called The Longest Yarn 2 – Britain at War, complimenting the first touring exhibition, called The Longest Yarn 1 – D-Day Normandy.
The organisers behind the project today now live in Northern France and rely on passionate women like Alison to make it happen locally. Alison saw the first exhibition, when it toured in Llandudno back in 2024.
Alison has direct connection to this exhibition, with her family in the Navy and was a contact officer for the Armed Forces whilst at the council. She worked with the Armed Forces Champion and local councillor Beverley Parry-Jones and the team at St Giles’ to co-ordinate and bring this phenomenal installation to Wrexham.
Raising
Awareness
For Veterans
“It’s amazing how all these Women came together. They initially started off with creating Post-Box toppers and then began to create ever more complex pieces, with no patterns or instructions. We went and looked up the individual behind the project - Tansy Forster - and through our work of raising awareness for Veterans in Wrexham we suggested how valuable it would be to contribute to their memories and the City of Culture.”
Local
Talent
Alison wanted to showcase local Wrexham talent, so of the 80 installations, 2 have been locally created and contributed – items 20 and 30 - Air Transport Auxiliary and Polish Pilots. These are locally of great importance as having valuable roles during the time itself. The participating craft groups come from Brynteg, All Saints Parish Church, Gresford. Gwersyllt and Penley.
Mindfully
Planned
“The project triggers lots of memories, tackles a difficult subject in a softer way, talking about the past but connecting to today. We talked about it to all the ladies and we said to them – ‘Make what you want – Soldiers, Planes and the figures themselves’.”
Mai Moulton is one of talented creative directors. She posed for us next to the Wrexham installation on the way in to St Giles’.
This lovely piece is not part of the official exhibition itself but nevertheless feels like it should be and has recreated a number of beautiful and iconic scenes across Wrexham and individuals who live here.
This third panel will be permanently staying here in Wrexham, and the team are now looking for a skilled individual who could either create or fund a glass case for permanent display, possibly being permanently sited in the new Wrexham Museum itself.
Longer
Than The
Bayeaux
Tapestry
All the ladies involved have now become good friends through this important community project. Running some 80 m long now it is longer than the Bayeaux Tapestry itself!
Heading
To
London
The exhibition will be heading to the Chelsea Pensioners Hospital next, and the team behind it are always on the lookout for future venues and volunteers to help make it happen.
How You
Can Help
If this story has inspired you, or you wish to support, donate your time or expertise to the cause then get in touch with The Longest Yarn® Knitted WWII Exhibition - Bringing History to Life.