To help celebrate the upcoming exhibition of The Great Tapestry of Scotland at the Speirs Centre, Alloa from

Great Tapestry of Scotland

Now on show in Clacks – 29^th May – 18^th August 2017 Speirs Centre, Alloa

The Great Tapestry of Scotland, one of the UK’s largest ever community arts projects, and the world’s longest embroidered tapestry, is coming to Clackmannanshire for the first time, hosted by CTSI in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council.

What is the Tapestry and why is it important?

The Tapestry tells 420 million years of Scottish history and was completed by over 1000 stitchers across Scotland including local stitching group, ‘Needles and Gins’ from Tillicoultry. It is much longer than even the Bayeux Tapestry reaching over 140 metres. The project was originally spear-headed by best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith who together with historian Alistair Moffat, artist Andrew Crummy and stitch co-ordinator, Dorie Wilkie designed over 160 historical panels each depicting a moment from Scotland’s past, from pre-history right up to the 21st century.

What will be on display?

The Speirs Centre will have on display 137 panels at one time in two areas of the library. 70 metres will be on display in the Lesser Hall and around 50 metres will be hanging around the iconic balcony of the Centre watched over by its famous dragon heads. Mid July, the tapestry the panels that were hanging in the main body of the library will swap over and be on display in the Lesser Hall. This will allow visitors the opportunity to view the panels close up and see the beauty of the stitching and artistry in detail. We would encourage everyone to visit at least twice to fully enjoy the spectacle of this magnificent community art project – and it won’t cost you a penny. For full details of the panels on display please click here.

How to get involved as a volunteer?

The Tapestry has already been enjoyed by over 350,000 visitors to previous exhibitions and CTSI and a team of volunteer guides are hoping to welcome people from throughout the country and beyond to visit as well as soak up the local textile heritage and wider history of Scotland in the Year of History, Heritage and Archaeology. CTSI is looking for enthusiastic local people keen to get involved volunteering in this one-off event – even just for a few hours. For more details, please contact Louise Orr or phone 01259 213840.

How to sponsor a panel and support over 300 local community groups and charities in Clacks

Local businesses have got the unique opportunity to get involved too, by sponsoring a panel. For only £20, each business will get publicised for their sponsorship over the 12 week exhibition period; get an exclusive invitation to the launch unveiling; help bring over 20,000 visitors to Clacks and all donations will be given to local voluntary groups. For more details or to book a panel, please contact Lesley Jack at admin@ctsi.org.uk or on 01259 213840.

Events

August

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense presented by The Alman

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August

Perth Concert Hall

ACIE 2017 Scottish Conference

Mill Street, Perth

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August

Well-being Outreach Alloa Speir Centre – Thursday 10-12noon

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August

Jeeves & Wooster in Perfect Nonsense presented by The Alman

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No event found!

Testimonials

If people want to learn something new, we enable that to happen by giving them the training and skills – and along the way they get good company and a sense of achievement from what they have made
Archie Scott Committee member, Wee County Crafters
I get a lot of satisfaction as an RSVP volunteer and I would recommend getting involved. Volunteering Matters to me because of the impact it can have on our community and making a difference to peoples lives. It gives me the opportunity to keep active and to contribute to my community in retirement.
Bob Kerr Handyperson, Volunteering Matters
Deciding to befriend was undoubtedly one of the best decisions I have ever made - we both get so much out of it. I look forward to spending time with her every week and we are always commenting on how much we have in common! Loneliness is something that can affect anyone at any time, and it is projects like this that are so important in helping to stop it. I would recommend befriending to anyone – even if they are feeling apprehensive like I was – as the benefits to the person you are matched with and yourself are endless
Katie Wardlaw Befriender, Volunteering Matters
It has been a good transition from working full time to volunteering. I had not done anything like this since my children were young as I worked full time for a long time but now I feel I can give something back to the community – and I am really enjoying this role. It is a great fit
Mary Quigley Mary Quigley, Driver/Group Assistant, The Friendship Club
I love the variety of work at Play Alloa – there is always something different going on – answering the phone, preparing for the Christmas fayre, parent information evenings, helping with surgeries and providing information for parents. I have really enjoyed being part of a team – everyone helps and supports each other
Julie Milligan Administration Volunteer, Play Alloa