Brenda’s Skilful Story

👥 Brenda Dunster explains her connection with St Petroc’s Church:

“I came to Cornwall in 1975 because of my husband’s work. At first, we stayed in a holiday let in Goran while we waited to move into our new, permanent home in Bodmin.

“I began attending St Petroc’s Church at that time. For several years, I wasn’t able to get involved or contribute to church life because my husband became ill. After he died, I found there were many things I could do to help out at church. It also gave me something to focus on and occupied my time during the grieving process and beyond.”

Brenda made and attached the lace work to cloths used in St Petroc’s:

Left: Altar cloth named “RSM Ben Dunster Memorial Cloth”

Right: High altar top cloth

Left: Lady Chapel altar cloth originally used in the chapel and now used on the mobile altar

Right: Credence cloth to cover a small table for the sacraments to be placed on

Brenda can turn her hand to canvass and needle work:

Left: High altar kneeling rail cushion - it took eleven years to complete the 14-foot kneeler, originally made for the Lady Chapel but is now in front of the high altar

Right: Kneeler and chair cushion

Left: Cushion for a Bible

Right: Guild banners used at Bodmin Riding & Heritage Festivals made by a local group and maintained by Brenda

In the early 2000s, one cope particularly caught Brenda’s eye during an exhibition of cloaks and other vestments in St Petroc’s Church. As an expert in crafts—especially dressmaking and embroidery—she was struck by the intricate hand embroidery on the cope. Her friend Julia remarked that it resembled the bed hangings often displayed in historic houses.

Further research supported that impression. Experts from London suggested the original fabric was likely a curtain or bedcover, dating from the first quarter of the 18th century.

In the Victorian era, skilled needleworkers appear to have repaired and repurposed the material, transforming it into a cope and adding velvet trim. This conclusion is supported by the machined seams and stitching characteristic of a treadle sewing machine.

Today, the cope remains in use and is still worn by ministers at the church on special occasions.