FRIENDS from around the world will soon be gathering in the Lake District to celebrate the lives of women through the creation of a special work of art.

The gathering of members from the international friendship network "Women Welcome Women World Wide" will be descending on Near Sawrey to create the organisation's second wall hanging, illustrating women's lives and interests.

Members were asked to create fabric panels depicting their lifestyle, culture or country. During their stay between March 2 and 7, these will be bound together as the group works on the project in between enjoying each other's company and seeing the sights of the Lake District.

The first wall hangings were produced at a gathering in Hungary in 2001, and have travelled half way around the world, proving to be a unique talking point and highlighting that members are all part of a vibrant international group.

However, the wall hangings were lost in transit in Japan last year, and members hope to create a new treasure to be enjoyed for years to come.

"The feeling of disbelief when they were lost was indescribable as we felt a little of our history was gone forever," said Jacqui Downie, a trustee. "Nevertheless, in March we will be creating a new wall hanging. This cannot replace the original but will again show the friendship and understanding of our very special organisation."

The new hangings will travel south to High Wycombe after the meeting for their first showing at the 5W Gathering for International Women's Day on March 8. From there they will travel the globe.

February 10, 2003 08:30