Cathedral Groups

Ladies of the Order of Fine Things - (LOFT)

In December 2001 there was a photo of an altar covered with a laudian in Blackburn Cathedral, published in the Church Music Quarterly. In 2002, Bishop Moxon suggested that a similar laudian be made for the new altar in the refurbished chancel, and that was when LOFT was formed. Assistance was received from the convener of the Linen Guild at the Wellington Cathedral of St Paul who sent designs that were an excellent guide, and Joy Blanchett, curtain maker, who assisted with cutting and piecing the work. A cream brocade laudian was made using the embroidery from the former high altar for the induction of Dean, Father Ian Hanley in August 2002. A small committed group have been meeting regularly ever since, and have been responsible for both repairing the fabrics in the Cathedral as well as for designing and making the new altar coverings and vestments for the Cathedral.