Higham Ferrers and Chelveston congregations knotting and knitting, tying and dying a Rainbow of Hope to thank NHS

Congregations of the churches have been busy creating a rainbow around their buildings
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Worshippers at two churches in Higham and Chelveston have celebrated the NHS by creating a community-made Rainbow of Hope around both buildings and to show their appreciation for all key workers.

In the shared parish of St Mary the Virgin in Higham Ferrers and St John the Baptist, Chelveston-cum-Caldecott, people have been encouraged to decorate the railings and gates with all the colours of the spectrum to create a colourful message.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Revd Michelle Dalliston, interim vicar St Mary the Virgin and St John the Baptist, said: "We started this as another way of engaging our community in a way to express support for the NHS and key workers.

"It was a way to come together in a project that we could share in safely during lockdown and yet see the effect of our combined efforts.

"At St Mary's, we began it along the railings of the Memorial Garden with the idea it might spread down the north side of the church, and even go the whole way down to Midland Road in time for the NHS birthday celebrations.

"At St John's, it is across the gate at the top of the path to the church, around the trees alongside the path and across the east end of the church which you see as you approach the building."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Rainbow of Hope is made from different strips of fabric and wools - knotted, knitted, dyed and drawn to create the effect.

Rainbow of Hope created as thank you NHS staffRainbow of Hope created as thank you NHS staff
Rainbow of Hope created as thank you NHS staff

At St John’s in Chelveston have been added to the churchyard gates, on the trees down the path, and across the front of the church, alongside rainbow signs thanking key workers and NHS staff displayed in the windows.

Mrs Dalliston added: "Many of our families and children from St Mary’s and the local community have come and added to it and we have invited our local schools as well as our Girl Guiding and Scouting groups to get involved.

"The rainbow colours look wonderfully joyful and people have been very creative with ribbons, fabrics, plaited wool and knitted panels, even dying cloths to tie together too."

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We'd like to say thank you to our NHS, carers, care home staff and all key workers."

St John's Church windowsSt John's Church windows
St John's Church windows

Message from the editor: Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the highest standards in the world. The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers and consequently the advertising that we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Related topics: