In September 1999 the Parochial Church Council was asked to consider the removal of the carpet in the Sanctuary. This had been given to the church but was now very worn and posing a real danger of someone tripping. Its removal necessitated some form of kneeler for the altar step, and it was thought that volunteers could be found to make this. The PCC agreed that the project should go ahead as one of the church's millennium celebrations.

Now the lengthy process began.

Articles asking for volunteers appeared in the church magazines, on the noticesheets, and lists were put into church for anyone who would like to help. Sadly few people felt able to do this and finally a small group got together to discuss ideas. Seven kneelers were required and, again, the congregation was asked to make suggestions for the design. Margaret Hadwin offered to help the group with the techniques required, and her expertise and experience in this sphere were invaluable as some of the group were complete novices. She soon taught the stitches required and assured them all would be well.

Again, the congregation was asked for their suggestions for the design and when the group next met these suggestions - in the form of photographs, drawings and written explanations - were all considered. It was decided that the kneelers should represent the church itself, the life of the church, and the local community and environment. In January 2000 designs were submitted to the PCC for approval, and a very generous donation was received to cover the cost. The final stage began.

Transferring the designs on to graph paper and then on to canvas was very challenging but with faith and prayer, and with the confidence and encouragement Margaret gave to the group, it was accomplished; stitching began in May 2000.

You will discover many of the symbols in the church, in the windows or in the woodwork, and indeed in churches throughout the world; others are particular to our town and locality. The colours chosen reflect those in the stained glass in the East window, and when the red carpet was removed the marble tiling underneath revealed the same colour as had been chosen for one of the background colours.

The kneelers were dedicated during the main service at Pentecost, June 2001.

The seven kneelers were each made by one, two or three people. Each one has the same border and background worked in two shades of green, and a fleur-de-lys design at either side which provides a linking across the seven kneelers.

Kneeler one, two, three, four, five, six, seven

Kneeler one

The Parish Church of St Paul, Grange-over-Sands.

Kneeler two

The three main symbols portray:

• the crossed keys of St Peter (taken from the East window)
• the Iona cross - representing the parish pilgrimage in September 2001
• the crossed swords of St Paul (taken from the East window)

Kneeler three

Here we have three main symbols:

• the oystercatcher, seen commonly on Morecambe Bay
• the coat of arms of Grange-over-Sands
• an anchor and rope - symbols of grace (Lady Chapel window)

In each corner of the kneeler are four smaller symbols:

• a poppy - for remembrance
• a red squirrel - local interest
• a butterfly - symbol of new life (resurrection)
• a mallard duck - representing the ornamental gardens

Kneeler four

The central, longer, kneeler is dominated by the Christian Millennium logo. The blue circle symbolises the world enclosing the five continents (doves). The cross reminds us of the Incarnation and the rays of light from the circle represent Christ, the Light of the World. The linking of the doves within the circle calls us to join with all people in celebrating the 2000th anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ.

On the front panel of this central kneeler can be seen a Teddy Bear, representing the Edward Bear Club for 0-5 year olds, and the church mouse!

Kneeler five

The three symbols here represent:

• three entwined fishes, representing the Holy Trinity
• the crest of the Diocese of Carlisle, featured in the East window
• the chalice and loaf of bread, representing the Eucharist - the loaf was taken from detail in the window above the altar in the Lady Chapel.

The four small Jerusalem crosses in each corner of this kneeler are reminders of two Parish pilgrimages to the Holy Land in 1994 and 1996.

Kneeler six

In this kneeler the central Chi Rho represents the first two letters of the Greek form of Christ. It is enclosed by alpha and omega which symbolise Christ, the beginning and end of all things - again, taken from the East window. The lily and mystic rose are ancient Christian emblems symbolising the purity of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Kneeler seven

The final kneeler shows the ancient crossing of the sands of Morecambe Bay - a well-known part of the early development of the area and a reminder of its historical links with Lancashire. The dog in the picture is called Moss and belongs to the worker of this kneeler!

On the sides and front of all the kneelers appears the vine leaf, and four of the kneelers portray the wheat and grapes which represent the bread and wine of the Eucharist or Holy Communion Service.

Stitches used were : cushion stitch, outline stitch, petit point, long-legged cross stitch, double cross stitch, rhode stitch, padded satin stitch (gobelin), reinforced cross stitch, Scottish stitch