Being part of something bigger

What an incredible five weeks we’ve just had.

Inspired by an Anglo-Saxon burial site in Winfarthing, we’ve discussed origins, identity, belief systems and human connections.

We’ve painted images of precious landscapes, fashioned copper and bronze clay pendants and created beautiful bowls inlaid with gold-leaf; we’ve also been brought to our senses as we shared poetic compositions about lasting memories.

I am from the view from the dining room window where, as a child, I watched a rainbow over the green fields
I am from the sound of the dawn chorus and the smell of toasted cheese under the grill
The taste of strawberries and cream and how I try to have my happy feeling.
Margaret S., De Lucy House resident

I am from the view of the River Trent in the moonlight
And the sound of German bombers in the distance
The smell of wild flowers and the taste of post-war blackcurrant juice
I am from the fear that, maybe this time, the Major Oak can’t keep us safe.
Jo M., De Lucy House resident

The residents at Oak Lodge were delighted to unwrap their coins – they’ve waited so patiently to see the finished article and we felt really mean telling them that they couldn’t keep them until after the exhibition in September.

And then we lost ourselves in a light dusting of gold leaf, platters of fruit and, finally, some comments on what they’ve enjoyed about taking part in Coins and Crosses.

It has been an absolute joy working at De Lucy House and Oak Lodge; I know that the artists and I all feel very lucky to have had the chance to meet such lovely people.

So, thank you to Alice and Harriet, who also came along yesterday, and to everyone involved in the Winfarthing Anglo-Saxon Project for making this possible; we’ll see you again at the Heritage Open Days exhibition at Winfarthing Church on Saturday, 19th September.

Coins and Crosses: Seeking the Anglo-Saxons in Winfarthing and Waveney is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we will be able to connect local communities with our Anglo-Saxon history.