A celebration of the Preseli Heartlands was unveiled in Maenclochog Community Hall this month as part of the Span Arts/ PLANED Stitching Stories project.

Local artists Linda Norris, Nia Lewis, Penny d Jones and Rowan Matthiessen held a series of stitch labs in Maenclochog from September 2018.

These engaged an inter-generational mix of Preseli people; from long standing residents and local characters to newcomers to the area and local children, including pupils from Maenclochog Primary School.

The brief was to create an interactive digital quilt or tapestry with the Preseli communities – combining textile elements and the collection of recorded local stories and quotes.

During the workshops, attendees had the chance to experiment with different textiles and techniques to create their Preseli-inspired contribution.

Conductive thread was used, which when touched played recordings of people, both young and old, talking about their experiences of life in Maenclochog.

Photographs and maps were also scanned and printed onto fabrics, with embellishments added later. Botanical elements of plants native to the surrounding area were collected and used to explore form and texture.

“The workshops have highlighted the deep and everlasting connection that individuals and communities have with the Preseli area – from the breath-taking landscape, to farming practices, to standing stones and prehistoric features and to the people held within,” said a project spokesman.

“There are many layers of rich, unique and diverse culture and heritage within the heartlands area.

“Going forward with the Preseli Heartlands Project it has certainly helped light the way for communities to begin thinking more about their special heritage, and ways in which to interpret and preserve it for future generations.”

For more information on the Ein Cymdogaeth Werin – Preseli Heartlands project contact Sophie Jenkins on 01834 860965 or email sophiej@planed.org.uk