Hundredth tapestry stitcher

CAMERON Cairnduff has become the 100th person to add his contribution to Alderney's Bayeux Tapestry Finale.

Spearheaded by island librarian Kate Russell, the 10-foot long piece of embroidery has become a leading community project in Alderney since it was started on 1 February.

The famous original tells the story of the invasion of Britain by William the Conqueror and is about 20in (50cm) high and 230ft (70m) long.

However, the final segment was lost and volunteers have been stitching their own Channel Islands version.

Thanks to the hard work of regulars and visitors – including children from local schools – three-quarters of the first half is now complete.

It is being sewn at Alderney Library where people can drop by and put in a few stitches, whether or not they are experienced in embroidery.

'We have reached another milestone on the Bayeux Tapestry Finale. Over the weekend our 100th stitcher put in his contribution,' said Mrs Russell.

'We have made great progress, and the enthusiasm of both our stitchers and the people who come to see what we are up to is undiminished,' said Mrs Russell. 'Their praise is also very welcome, so we are delighted to see visitors to the project, whether they add a stitch or not.'

Events management student Cameron, 20, added his efforts to the work when visiting the island for the opening of The Georgian House pub in Victoria Street jointly owned by his mum Lesley, who is also one of the regular stitchers.

The tapestry will eventually be displayed at Alderney Museum. It is an ambitious undertaking and Mrs Russell admitted she did not know when the completion date might be.

'When we finish the first half we will have to take it off the frame and remount it,' said Mrs Russell. 'I can't really estimate when that will be, because we are dependent on volunteers.

'There will probably be new contributors during the summer months, but some of our 'regulars' may be busy catering for those same visitors. That makes it hard to estimate when we will finish. We still have our fingers crossed for sometime during this Jubilee Year, though.'

The Bayeux Tapestry was commissioned by William the Conqueror's half-brother Bishop Odo to celebrate his victory over Harold Godwinson at the Battle of Hastings in 1066.

It was unveiled in 1077 at the dedication of the Bayeux Cathedral and shows the events from a Norman point of view, from the death of King Edward the Confessor to the Norman victory over the English. There is a section missing that probably depicts his coronation.

The Channel Islands were part of the Dukedom of Normandy when William invaded England in 1066 and won the crown.