CHARTING the past, Pembridge’s ardent band of stitchers is preparing to show off its latest creation during a spectacular celebration weekend at the end of May.

The village’s Tapestry Group, famed for an acclaimed series of crafted scenes echoing Pembridge’s history, has been busy once again with a second project.

The Pembridge Map, representing two years’ dedication by the team, promises to have ‘every house in stitches’, explains churchwarden Gill Smith.

Mounted and framed, the map will be unveiled on May 24 at 7pm in St Mary’s Church at Pembridge by historian and television presenter Dr Alex Langlands, who is no stranger to the village.

When Pembridge was in the running for Channel 4’s ‘Village of the Year’ accolade in 2017, the Swansea University lecturer who presented the BBC’s Victorian and Edwardian Farm TV series was impressed by the black and white village.

The unveiling will mark the start of a full Bank Holiday weekend in Pembridge. On Saturday May 25 at 10am the Dean of Hereford, the Very Rev Michael Tavinor will be in church to bless the map, which will be followed by a Community Celebration. At 11am it will be time to don boots for a circular walk led by farmer and conservationist Tony Norman, while Pembridge Church of England Primary School organises a village I-Spy. Later in the day, pupils will be taking part in a pageant through the village and in the evening the school choir will perform a variety of songs as part of a concert with the Taiko Drumming Band.

On Sunday a special festival service in church at 11am will be followed by afternoon entertainment from Knighton Silver Bank and a guided walk around the village’s buildings led by historian Duncan James, who will give an evening talk entitled ‘Pembridge Houses – inside and out’.

The celebrations continue on Bank Holiday Monday when local author Anne O’Brien discusses the ups and downs of writing historical fiction and the tragedy of the Mortimers claim to the throne. Singer ‘Little Wren, who lives nearby, will perform during a lunchtime barbecue and the weekend will close with a ceilidh in church from 7.30 – 11pm in church with dancing to Whiffeldy.

Throughout the weekend the church will be decorated with displays by businesses past to present, there will be stalls and demonstrations on the church lawn while refreshments will be available as well as a licensed bar.

The event is funded by a National Lottery Community Fund along with James Henman Marquees and generous donations from local families and businesses.

*For bookings go to ianandgillian@googlemail.com (01544 388441) or merylgriffith@gmail.com (01544 340381). For the ceilidh philipjohnrogers@gmail.com (01544 387976)