This is a very special card. My village has been fund-raising for some time in order to be able to do all the necessary repairs to keep the church open - the church was built in 1355, damaged in the English Civil War in 1642 and has only had one major restoration, in 1879. The theft of the lead from the roof (a sad sign of the times) revealed a lot of other damage and "wear and tear" and we needed nearly a quarter of a million pounds to fix it all! Well WE DID IT!!!!! Many thanks to all my fellow embroiderers who so generously gave of their time and skills to help with our fundraising. Much of the money came in grants and charities, but my little village, of just 550 adults, raised the amazing sum of £81,000 between them!

We have invited the Archbishop of York, the Very Reverend and Right Honourable Dr. John Sentamu, to conduct the service of Blessing and Thanksgiving tomorrow, and this is the card I have made to give him as a small memento of the occasion, signed by all the members of the church council. It shows the church's East Window, above the altar. Just say a prayer or two that he actually makes it, as the snow is thick and frozen and York is 60 miles away, along country roads, although his driver has rung today and assured us that he WILL be here! (Obviously his Hot Line to the Almighty comes in handy at times like this!) Love, hugs and many thanks from Dianne x x x