Jane Cox: Susie Finlayson - The Great Tapestry of Scotland

Last week, Hawick's Rotarians welcomed local resident Susie Finlayson to speak of her work on the Great Tapestry of Scotland, now housed in Galashiels. Susie had become involved at a very early stage, tracing designs onto the empty panels and delivering materials to far-flung groups of stitchers, but then, partly through her mother's participation as a stitcher, had become one herself. She then worked for a time as an assistant at the Galashiels building but now is a volunteer ambassador for the Tapestry, giving talks to groups across the country.

She therefore spoke ably, and enthusiastically, to Hawick Rotary Club, recounting the history of the project and telling many anecdotes. Using an excellent PowerPoint presentation, she highlighted unique features of the panels. Apparently mistakes in the tracings can be removed by neat vodka, and blood spots can also be removed from the panels, but coffee stains persist! While emphasising the ability the stitchers had to improvise in the designs, she showed us the duck which should have been a raven, and the helicopter carrying her husband which crash landed in the sea off Orkney.

Those present were very much impressed by Susie's excellent talk, and, in giving a well-merited Vote of Thanks, Scott Elliot focused on her infectious enthusiasm for the Tapestry project.

Several members, and friends who were present, then took the opportunity to add stitches to a large panel which is being prepared for hanging within the entrance to the Galashiels building.

The following evening, four representatives of the Club attended Jedburgh Rotary Club's President's Night at Jedforest Rugby Club, where the guest speaker was former Borders vet Nigel Brown.

Ten Club members and friends last week also conducted Mock Interviews at Hawick High School, giving senior pupils practice in being interviewed for college and university placements.