Battle station tapestry mural shortlisted for award

The Tapestry Mural, which was officially unveiled in April this year, commemorates the 950th Anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and has been shortlisted for the Community Art Scheme category of the ACORP Community Rail Awards.

The 18-metre long mural was officially opened by Battle mayor Cllr Margaret Kiloh and David Statham, managing director of Southeastern, in front of 40 members of the community.

David Statham had made a special journey to Battle for the occasion, escorted on the train by Battle’s own Saxon warrior, in full regalia, who helped to set the scene.

Southeastern’s community engagement manager, Janet Tyndale, is pleased with the mural’s inclusion on the shortlist.

She said: “It’s fantastic that this magnificent piece of art has been shortlisted for a community rail award.

“The tapestry is the result of two years of hard work put in by the local community in Battle and it really is great that this has been acknowledged.”

Yolanda Laybourne, who co-ordinated the project, expressed her thanks to all those who were involved in bringing the mural to the station.

She said: “This is wonderful news, and thanks are due particularly to the Battle Museum of Local History who generously agreed to the use of six of the Charles Stothard prints in their care in order to provide an excellent snapshot of the story of the Battle of Hastings for the mural, and for all the museum’s guidance and expertise in helping to deliver the project in good time to herald the commemorations of the 950th anniversary of the Battle later this year.”

The ACORP Community Rail Awards take place in Southport on Thursday September 29.

* Battle Museum of Local History set to host The Alderney Tapestry - see page 11.

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