Seavington Stitchers - France Jack
The Seavington News - February 1993
Seavington Stitchers
This is a very sad time for us. Our founder Chairman, France Jack, has died after an agonising year of illness and although she will be constantly missed, none of us could have wished for her to have a prolonged period of time that would have brought her yet more distress and pain.
Without her the Stitchers would probably not exist. The inaugural meeting was held on May 31 st 1982, after, I understand a group of men and women worked together to produce kneelers for St Michaels Church. Mrs Jack was elected Chairman and from then on put her energies and enthusiasm into the long term project of raising money for the S.P.F.A. so that they could buy the field for the village. In this she was ably supported by the other members.
The first Cheese and Wine party, was, I Understand, at Chioro Ritchie’s and it was so successful that it became an annual event and one to which many people looked forward. France was the hostess at the following parties until last year when her health did not allow her to do what she thought of as a privilege.
In 1988, France entered the Stitchers group and the Seavingtons News in the Community Council competition and much publicity arose from the success. In 1989, France was able to hand over £2500 to the S.P.F.A. and it gave her much pleasure to achieve this target. Soon after, the field belonged to the village.
At this time, I was asked to take over the Chairmanship from France. I valued her support and help immensely because I was a relative newcomer to the village. Although France had resigned from the Chair, she never stinted giving her time and skill to the group. Even during this last year, whenever her health allowed, she came to our meetings or allowed us to meet in her house.
I know that her hopes were for a new village hall and if that scheme got off the ground it would be a fitting memorial because France has done a great deal for the village. The Stitchers have already decided that at least half the money raised this year will be set aside in case it is needed for this project.
Each in our different ways, will miss France.
Pat Cornelius.