Diocesan News07 Jun 13

‘Wee Church On The Walls’ Weaves Its Magic For UK City Of Culture 2013

The rich tapestry of what makes Derry / Londonderry special is about to be celebrated by St Augustine’s Church. Known affectionately as ‘the wee church on the walls’ the church is about to mark the UK City of Culture. Anyone walking the famous walls of the city will be able to see The Big Weave Project.

The Big Weave is a worldwide community weaving project. It is taking place in Saint Augustine’s Halls from 10 to 29 June. It’s free and open to all.

The project will give artists and the public an opportunity to learn new skills and participate in the creation of a unique piece of community artwork. The process of weaving is reduced to its simplest form so that anyone can have a go and enjoy the experience. Given Londonderry’s long history of garment making this is a particularly apt public art project.

The project has many different threads. For anyone feeling peckish St Augustine’s will have The Big Eats – its very own ‘pop–up’ restaurant. Part of the project includes The Wandering Weave when, on Wednesdays, the looms travel to Ebrington Square. School children will also be regular visitors. The project will involve Foyle Disability Resource Centre and Foyle Multi–Cultural Forum.

Ivan Taylor, one of the project organisers said, “Why not drop in, weave a thread and help in the creation of legacy tapestries in celebration of COC2013. We love our city and the diversity that makes it special”.

Revd Pat Storey, Rector of St Augustine’s says, “We want residents and visitors to the city during the UK City of Culture 2013 celebrations to be part of a creation of a series of woven tapestries. These will be gifted to the city and be part of the legacy of a great year for the city.

Sitting on the site of St Columba’s original monastery St Augustine’s shows it is both ancient and modern. Visitors can follow the Big Weave on Facebook (St Augustine’s – Weave), Twitter (@derryweave), or on the brand new St Augustine’s App.

Photo: Diane Wood (The Big Weave), Revd Pat Storey (St Augustine’s) & Hazel Philson (Project organising Team)