Lancashire Community Craft Project Needle Felting & Hand Stitching Session

Inspired by the Table For The Nation at Blackburn Cathedral, we are inviting schools, community groups, craft groups, churches, businesses and residents across the region to come together to create a spectacular artwork.

800 individually handcrafted panels - each one telling a story of Lancashire - will be stitched together, to create a stunning 13m Community Table Runner.

Your completed work will contribute to this community project and will be displayed at the Table For The Nation at Blackburn Cathedral in the Spring of 2027.

This is a relaxed workshop suitable for beginners and your completed work will form part of the project.

The workshop is led by Sue Jeffries, Community Horticulturalist with Lancashire Wildlife Trust also an experienced and qualified teacher who has delivered a range of nature-inspired crafting workshops and co-ordinated community projects. Members of the Fellowship of Church Needleworkers will also be providing support.

During the workshop you will see the Table for the Nation - the stunning 13m Black Oak table made of 5,000 old bog oak currently on display at Blackburn Cathedral. You will then be guided by experienced tutors as you create your own handmade piece inspired by the peatlands and landscapes of Lancashire.

Needle felting is a relaxing, tactile technique which is perfect for creating the hummocks of moss you can see on the peatlands. You may also wish to recreate the creatures that live in bog habitats such as dragonflies, curlews, lapwings, tardigrades, roundworms, butterflies, lizards, frogs etc.

All materials and equipment will be provided.

• You may wish to bring reading glasses and a notebook and pencil.
• There will be a break for lunch, and the Cathedral café - Checks & Greys will be open.
• Accessible toilets are available.

Lancashire Wildlife Trust is actively involved in peatland restoration projects across the county, which will have a positive impact on climate change by increasing carbon capture, reducing flooding and recreating bog habitat for a wide range of specialist plants, insects, birds and mammals. Their community growing hub at the Greenhouse Project in Witton Country Park, Blackburn is growing Sphagnum moss and other bogs plants to be replanted on nearby Darwen Moor as part of our ‘Growing Recovery’ project. You will be able to see some of the bog plants during the workshop.

Should you have any access requirements or additional needs, please email: [email protected]

We are a charity and this event is being held to raise vital funds that support our mission and the communities we serve. By attending this event, you help to secure the long-term future of your Cathedral so that we can remain open to all, both now and for future generations. We thank you for your support.

You can learn more and show your support at blackburncathedral.com/support

Blackburn Cathedral is two minutes from the bus interchange and railway station. Please note that there is no onsite parking however there are a number of public car parks close by.

This event takes place in the Crypt at Blackburn Cathedral and entry is via Cathedral Square, BB1 1FB, next to Checks & Greys café.

Although there are some old, uneven surfaces and care should be taken, the Cathedral is fully accessible and wheelchair friendly. There is level access into and around the building.

Call: 01254 277430

Email: [email protected]

Blackburn Cathedral, Cathedral Close, Blackburn, BB1 5AA

Ticket Refund Policy

To ensure a smooth experience, please review our straightforward refund policy:

Refund Eligibility:

• Refunds will only be issued in the event of cancellation by the event promoter.

Cancellation by Promoter:

• In the unlikely circumstance that this event is cancelled by the promoter, full refunds will be automatically processed for all ticket holders.

Non-Refundable Tickets:

• All tickets are non-refundable unless the event is canceled by the promoter.

Transfer of Tickets:

• Tickets are transferable, allowing you to pass on them on to friends or family if you find yourself unable to attend.

Contact Information:

• For any enquiries or concerns regarding tickets, please contact our customer support at [email protected]