A small Northamptonshire town is hoping to capitalise on the country’s current fascination with the Bayeux Tapestry.
Canny tourism officers in Higham Ferrers say the town’s own impressive hand-sewn “Mapestry”, which showcases landmarks and buildings, could provide a visual alternative.
The 1.5m (4.9ft) work, made from recycled material, was designed by retired art teacher Fay Caddick, who worked on the project with a group of friends known as The Material Girls.
Liz Barnatt, chair of the Higham Ferrers tourism business and community partnership, said: “We said to everyone, this is our Bayeux Tapestry, it’s just a great way to promote our town and how it was produced.”
She said that when they first heard the Bayeux Tapestry was coming to London, “we jumped on it”.
Work began on the Mapestry in 2009 and took three years to complete.
It features well-known buildings in Higham Ferrers, including St Mary’s Church, The Bede House, the Market Square, the Belgium House, Chichele College and the Griffin Inn.
Barnatt added: “It looks stunning, it’s an absolute credit to the ladies who did it.”
Source: www.bbc.co.uk
