The Congham Kneelers

1. Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Wedding Kneeler. Iris Baker.

The 40 hassocks illustrate the Bible text from the Book of Proverbs Chapter 31. vs. 10 to the end and were designed in 1994 by Joan Ross. The designs were inspired by Norfolk country life and by parishioner Susan Gurney's (1915-1993) love of sewing. 
The kneelers were made by members of the Embroiderers Guild, and of the West Norfolk Needleworkers and by Susan's friends and each one measures 9 x 12 x 3 ".
The stitches used were mostly tent stitch, long-legged cross stitch and knitting stitch on a 14 count canvas. A carefully selected colour scheme was chosen over the entire set but no. 20 was an exception as scarlet was required. Three strands of 2 ply wool were used, allowing for a mixing of shades, so that colours could be graded ( as in the subtle sky of no.34). 

The Congham Embroidery

2. She seeketh wool and flax. Claire Forbes	3. And worketh willingly with her hands Beryl Murfitt	4. She is like the merchants ships Barbara Sadler
5. And bringeth her food from afar Marjorie Birch	6. She riseth while it is yet night Juliet Webster	7. And giveth meat to her household Sophie De Winton
8. And a portion to her maidens Lucy Newton	9. She considereth a field and buyeth it Daphne Harmer (aged 90 at the time)	10. With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.                                    Lillian Perry
11. She girdeth her loins with strength Beryl Murfitt	12. And strengtheneth her arms Beryl Murfitt	13. She perceiveth that her merchandise is good.    Pat Westwood
14. Her candle goeth not out by night Margaret Hodgkinson	15. She layeth her hands to the spindle Iris Baker	16. Her hands hold the distaff. Margaret Chance
17. She stretcheth out her hand to the poor Margaret Hodgkinson	18. She reacheth forth her hand to the needy Joan Thirtle	19. She is not afraid of the snow for her household Dacha Parikh
20. For all her household are clothed in scarlet Margaret Spray	21. She maketh herself coverings of tapestry Claire Forbes	22. Her clothing is silk and purple Pat Westwood
23. Her husband is known in the gates Juliet Webster	24. Where he sitteth among the elders of the land.  Iris Baker	25. She maketh fine linen and selleth it Margaret Hodgkinson
26. And delivereth girdles unto the merchants Joan Steward	27. Strength and honour are her clothing Beryl Murfitt	28. And she shall rejoice in time to come. Betty Youngs
29. She openeth her mouth with wisdom Margaret Spray	30. And in her tongue is the law of kindness Daphne Harmer (aged 90 at the time)	31. She looketh well to the ways of her household Margaret Spray
32. And eateth not the bread of idleness Rosie Footit	33. Her children arise up and call her blessed Margaret Spray	34. Her husband also he praiseth her. Margaret Spray
35. Many Daughters have done virtuously Marjorie Birch	36. But Thou excellest them all Margaret Spray	37. Favour is deceitful and beauty is vain Margaret Hodgkinson
38. But a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.                                  Marianne Pitt	39. Give her the fruit of her hands Mollie Richards	40. Let her own works praise her in the gates. Joan Thirtle

All photographs © Tony Scase News Services Ltd.

Additional notes: No.11 .The Angel on horseback design from Kimberley Church pulpit fall inspired by 12th century Opus Anglicanum in the Victoria & Albert Museum.   No. 26 Bishop Tony Foottit's cope designed by Isobel Clover and worked by Susan Gurney.   No.33. Rope ladder and 5 children sitting on a "maufrey" a two tier Norfolk cart designed for hay on top and roots below.   No. 36. Based on the design of the Provost's seat in Eton College Chapel by Constance Howard and the Eton College Coat of Arms. "Floreat Etons" was the battle cry of Robert Elwes as he shouted to another Eton boy "Come along Monk - we must be in the front rank - Floreat Etona!" and was shot dead immediately. There is a memorial plaque to him in the chancel.

All of the Congham Kneelers  and those in other parts of the country can be seen here.