Many of the banners were beautifully made, richly embroidered on quality fabrics, and of historic interest, portraying aspects of the society and culture of their times.

Ned mentioned how many banners lay forgotten and untouched for many years and were then rediscovered. It was a chance comment by one of our members which lead to just such a discovery in Stourport. The Stourport Wesleyan Methodist Church Sunday School Banner had been made in 1813. After use by several generations of Sunday School attendees it had been rolled up in its wooden box and stored under the hot water pipes at the back of the Church. Although rediscovered some years ago it existence was not widely known - until Ned's talk.

Sunday School Banner
On a very cold and blustery November day members of the Civic Society and the Methodist Church opened the box and with both excitement and trepidation unfurled the banner. The banner, although slightly fragile in places, was still vibrant and brightly painted, and a tribute to the skills and materials used by its makers nearly 200 years ago. Ned Williams and the local press took the opportunity to photograph it outside the church.

Do you know of any other banners hidden away in Stourport? Perhaps Societies and organisation could check their lofts for past treasured banners waiting to be displayed again and contact us.

Updated 10:07 AM on 02/02/01