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Babworth Church hosts stunning exhibition for Pilgrims Festival Art Weekend

Nov 28, 2019

There was a superb turnout at Babworth Church for the 2019 Pilgrims Festival Art Weekend, where the quality of the art on display was simply outstanding.

It was the fourth consecutive year the church had hosted the exhibition, which forms part of the Pilgrims Festival that commemorates the Mayflower's historic voyage to North America in 1620.

The event was inspired by the Separatist and Mayflower Pilgrims' story - and local artist, Gerry Fruin was ‘in residence’ to show people how it was done.

The Pilgrim Embroiderers were also there to proudly display their work, seen first-hand by Derek Turner, representing the Rotary Club of Retford, and Joan Turner, from the Retford Civic Society.

Cllr Helen Richards with her floral art exhibit

Each organisation had kindly donated funds to the Pilgrim Embroiderers to enable them to complete their work. Derek was so inspired that he decided to lend a stitch or two, adding tremendously to the value of the display!

On the Saturday, visitors enjoyed a fascinating discussion about buttons by textile artist Diane Hemsley, before David Caseldine gave a talk about Worksop Priory, bringing with him a 400-year-old 'Breeches Bible'.

Later that afternoon, Three Piece Suite - who play baroque music - provided the entertainment.

Derek Turner adds a stitch in time

The following day featured a talk by local author and historian Adrian Gray, who captivated people with his story of the Prophetess from Carlton in Lindrick of 1641.

Bassetlaw Christian Heritage (BCH) has received funding from Arts Council England, with support from the Diocese of Southwell & Nottingham, and District Councillors Carolyn Troop, Helen Richards and Joan Sanger via their community grants.

Three Piece Suite play Babworth

The story of the Mayflower Pilgrim families and their roots in the area in and around Bassetlaw, North Nottinghamshire, is becoming better known.

To find out more about the story, please visit the Bassetlaw Christian Heritage website; the Pilgrims Gallery in Bassetlaw Museum, Retford; the Pilgrims Museum at The Hub in Churchgate, Retford, and the Pilgrims Room at the United Reformed Church in Gainsborough.