Ryde Social Heritage Group research the social history of the citizens of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Documenting their lives, businesses and burial transcriptions.
RYDE SOCIAL HERITAGE GROUP
Based at Ryde Cemetery Heritage & Learning Centre. Preserving, documenting and promoting the social history of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.
  • MENU

CRAFTING THE ‘FAMILY TREE OF LIFE’

Shelagh
Shelagh

With December just round the corner and the deadline fast approaching, four RSHG members spent a very enjoyable afternoon with card, ribbons, scissors and glue crafting the ‘Family Tree of Life’. We had agreed to take part in the Christmas Tree Festival at Ryde Methodist Church and decided on a theme representing the Group and the tools you need to trace your family history. Armed with sheets of family portraits, census returns, baptism records, newspapers and books – all in miniature – we set about making our display.

At first the room was filled with chatter and laugher, tea and cake was served, and the printed sheets laid on the floor, but soon silence fell and the tea got cold… not because we were not enjoying ourselves but because concentration on the task in hand took over. Each photo was neatly cut out and framed in silver card, miniature books were stuck together and strings and ribbons attached. Two hours later we were pleased to see a pile of decorations ready to arrange on the tree. First red ribbons were attached to the top of the tree and allowed to flow through the branches like steamers. The family portraits were neatly fixed to the ribbons and a mix of newspapers, certificates, books and traditional Christmas baubles hung on the tree to create our ‘Family Tree of Life’.

Darkness fell as the finishing touches were added and we could then stand back and admire our creation. Pleased with the result, we retired exhausted but very happy with our afternoon’s work. We had great fun!

Thanks to Kate for the idea and inspiration, Shelagh for organising our entry and hospitality, and to the crafters Poppy, Ann, Shelagh and Carol.

The finished tree can be seen at the Christmas Tree Festival, Ryde Methodist Church, Garfield Road, Ryde on Friday 30 November 11am – 5pm, Saturday 1 December 10am – 12 and 2pm – 6pm, and Sunday 2 December 1pm – 4pm followed by a Carol Service. The Church is also holding a Christmas Fayre on the Saturday from 10am – 4pm. Admission to the Christmas Tree Festival is £1.