Exhibition focussing on the local serge industry, but with much more besides, and contributions from other local history groups.
What: An exhibition whose main focus is on the re-creation of Sandford’s once famous woven serge cloth called Perpetuana. Demonstrations of wool carding, spinning and weaving will be given. Additionally, other projects undertaken by the Heritage Group, and the activities of other local History Groups, will be on display covering a wide range of local interest topics.
Intended Audience: All ages interested in the local history of the area. Free admission.
Facilities: Light refreshments will be available. Sandford Parish Hall has free parking.
More Background: For parts of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, weaving was crucially important to the village economy, and for a while Sandford's Perpetuana was rated as the best serge of its type. After "tucking" or finishing (probably in Exeter), the cloth was exported by the East India Company to places as far away as China. In 2017 the SHG commissioned West Country textile expert Louise Cottey to re-create a sample of Perpetuana. The weaving process, which was filmed, is believed to be very similar to what would have used in the village two centuries ago. Displays will summarise the whole process, from sheered fleece to finished cloth. Many other items and activities on show from the SHG and the other local history groups will cover things as diverse as manganese mining, a railway that never was, palaeography, tunnels behind Creedy House, old roads now lost, milestones, signposts, bench ends, and much more. Hopefully, something for everyone. Books and leaflets from the various organisations represented will be on sale.
Exhibitors: Sandford Heritage Group, Crediton Area History & Museum Society, Bow & District Historical Society, Newton St. Cyres History Group, Shobrooke Local History Group, Tuckers’ Hall Exeter and the Devon Heritage Centre (South West Heritage Trust).
Further Information: From Mike Brett, email: publicity@sandfordheritagegroup.org , tel : 01363 772642
Download posters: A3 ; A4 ; A5x4