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Common Threads

A Community Celebration of Craft

A Table for the Nation

The Fenland Black Oak Table

On display at Lichfield Cathedral from 7 May 2025

Step into 5,000 years of history with the awe-inspiring Fenland Black Oak Table, a 13-metre-long masterpiece crafted from ancient black oak – one of Britain’s oldest trees. Known as the ‘Table for the Nation’, this incredible installation will be at the heart of Lichfield Cathedral for a full year, serving as a centrepiece for community gatherings, hospitality, worship, and celebration.

Accompanied by a powerful exhibition, you’ll uncover the extraordinary story behind the wood and explore a sweeping timeline of human history from the last 5,000 years.

Contact Us Fenland Black Oak Table

Common Threads – Join the Journey

‘Common Threads’ is a large-scale community textile project inspired by the arrival of the Table for the Nation. It invites local schools, community groups, charities, and independent businesses to take part in creating a beautiful, collaborative table runner to span the full 13 metres of the table.

Each contribution – a handcrafted square – will be sewn together to tell the story of Lichfield’s people, places, and shared history through fabric and thread.

How You Can Take Part

There are two ways to get involved:

  • 1. Join a Stitch Session:
    Come along to one of our friendly community sessions (dates below) to create a square or help sew the runner together. All materials are provided – just bring your creativity!
  • 2. Create Your Own Square:
    Want to represent your school, group, business, or honour a local hero or historic moment? We’d love you to design a square. Or, choose from our ‘bank of ideas’ if you’re not sure where to start.

Creative Freedom –
Use Any Technique!

Express yourself using any textile or craft method you like – including:

  • Embroidery
  • Appliqué
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
  • Fabric painting
  • Hand sewing or machine work

Contact Us

Contact John

Phone Email

Contact Suzie

Phone Email

Contact Dagmar

Phone Email

Square Details & Collection Info

  • Squares are available in three sizes: 3”, 4.5”, or 9”
  • Pick up your square from The Fabric Vault, Tudor Row, Lichfield
  • Finished squares should be returned to The Fabric Vault or brought to a stitch session

Stitch Session Schedule (May 2025 – Feb 2026)

Join us at Lichfield Cathedral to stitch, connect, and create. All materials are provided.
📌 Please check the Cathedral website or contact The Fabric Vault for up-to-date times before attending.

May 2025

Tue 13th – 10:00am–12:00pm
Tue 20th – 14:00–16:00 & 18:15–19:45

June 2025

Tue 3rd – 18:15–19:45
Mon 16th – 10:00–12:00
Tue 17th – 10:00–12:00
Mon 30th – 10:00–12:00

July 2025

Mon 7th – 10:00–12:00
Tue 22nd – 14:00–16:00 & 18:15–19:45

August 2025

Tue 19th – 14:00–16:00 & 18:15–19:45

September 2025

Tue 16th – 14:00–16:00 & 18:15–19:45

October 2025

Tue 14th – 14:00–16:00 & 18:15–19:45

November 2025

Tue 18th – 14:00–16:00 & 18:15–19:45

December 2025

Tue 30th – 10:00-12:00

January 2026

Tue 20th – 14:00–16:00

February 2026

Mon 16th February | 10:00-12:00
Tue 17th February | 10:00-12:00 | 14:00-16:00 & 18:15-19:45
Wed 18th February | 10:00-12:00

Let’s come together – stitch by stitch – to celebrate our community, our history, and our shared creative spirit.

The Fabric Vault together with Lichfield Cathedral
Connecting threads across time.