Highcliffe millennium tapestries go on display at Highcliffe School
THE unique history of Highcliffe captured in a series of tapestries is on permanent display at the local secondary school for generations to enjoy.
Created by volunteers under the leadership of Michael Reynolds, a founding member of Highcliffe Rotary, to commemorate the Millennium, the tapestries had been on display at Highcliffe Castle for 24 years.
Michael’s son Philip, who gifted them to the school, said: “After BCP Council took over ownership of the castle, the tapestries were taken down.
“It was decided that the castle should get a refresh, and they were not put up again.”
The work, which consisted of 35 panels, had been made by around 100 volunteers using collage, ceramics, painting, needlework and marquetry.
They depicted Highcliffe’s earliest residents along with other scenes including the local school and the Cat & Fiddle Pub.
After his father died in 2022, Philip decided to track down the tapestries and find somewhere in Highcliffe where they could once again be shown off in all their glory.
He said: “My father was so proud of them. They really are magnificent and I thought it was a shame that they were just languishing somewhere.
“So I negotiated with the castle to get them back. Then I set about finding somewhere for them to be displayed and decided Highcliffe School would be ideal.
“They agreed and they have now been put up near the history department. It is great to think that generations of youngsters will be able to see and learn from them.
“I think dad would be very pleased with their new home.”
Philip has followed in his dad’s footsteps and is a member of Rotary in Cirencester, where he lives.
His mother Sandra still lives in Highcliffe. “She is delighted that dad’s tapestries are being displayed at the school – it is such a fitting place for them,” he said.
Philip has also created four photo books of the tapestries, two of which are available at the village library. He also hopes one will be placed at Highcliffe Castle.
