MALMESBURY’S history has been illustrated by its older people, who have helped create a wall hanging tapestry to depict the town’s significant historical events.

Carers, friends, relatives and members of the Knit & Natter Group at Athelstan House, run by The Order of St John Care Trust, worked together to produce the artwork, made from many different materials, to celebrate Malmesbury’s history.

Helen Mickish, part of the Activities team at Athelstan House, said: “The tapestry was the brainchild of the residents reminiscing about areas in Malmesbury that they remembered from their earlier years.

“The Art Club, which was set up by one of our residents who sadly passed away recently, is really important to those who attend and I wanted to combine the two aspects to create something meaningful to the residents.

“The idea was to make it a collaborative effort of everyone here at Athelstan House, from the residents to the carers.

“I myself have learnt a lot about the history of Malmesbury, as well as the residents.”

The tapestry is a sensory mural that can be accessed through sight, touch and smell, as lavender was added to the lining, and the various elements use different tactile materials and fabrics. The idea is to allow those who have lost their sight to visualise and interact with the mural.

The original idea came about as all the care homes in the Trust decided on activities to celebrate this year’s Care Home Open Day, as the theme this year was Celebrating Arts in Care.