I represent North Kent Embroiderers, a group of ladies interested in learning and sharing our embroidery skills. We were part of the Embroiderers Guild until they reconstituted themselves in 2021, so we reformed ourselves into the North Kent Embroiderers, dropping the word 'Guild'. This meant we had to have a new banner, so members joined together and created one where we could add significant events to a new banner over the years. 

Members embroider a 4 inch block of something that is significant to the theme and then these blocks are stitched together longitudinal so as they hang down alongside our title. They can be removed and shown separately or all together at exhibitions, so very versatile! Since our inception, we have added The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, The King's Coronation and the Paris Olympics and the banner is shown at every meeting. 

In May 2025, I realised that we had not done anything to commemorate VE or VJ Day. At that month’s meeting, our AGM, members were asked if they would like to add another section to our banner to commemorate VE/VJ day and they readily agreed. Packs were made up, ideas suggested, fabric for backing bought and instruction booklets complied ready for members to take at the June meeting. Nine members participated - ten is the maximum otherwise the banner becomes too long! The stitches used include cross stitch, straight stitch, back stitch, applique, chain stitch and others but nothing too complicated. Members chose their own way of working, whichever they were happiest using.

At July's meeting, the embroidered blocks were returned to me which enabled me to stitch them together ready for VJ Day. The commemorative banner is headed by the VE / VJ logo with the badges from the Royal British Legion. This is followed by the dates - May 8 and August 15. Blackouts come next and then the famous words by Robert Laurence Binyon - 'They Shall Not Grow Old'. Most people remembered ration books and 'make do and mend' which one member embroidered while another member remembered the poppy. The Dove of Peace comes next followed by a beacon and finally bunting and tea parties.

Assembling the banner gave me ‘food for thought’ as I didn’t know in which order to assemble it. In the end, I tried to put it in the order of the VE / VJ events. The wars, the endings, the celebrations at home, it was difficult but I hope that I have done those were we remembering, and our members, justice.

I have to say, once I stitched all the blocks together, I felt quite emotional seeing how are members had interpreted their subjects using so many different forms of embroidery. 

You can see the banner by looking on our website - NKE Banner and Commemorative Panels - North Kent Embroiderers