A window on the world (From Gazette & Herald)

A window on the world

A STAINED glass window celebrating Norton's community has been unveiled at the parish church of St Peter's.

A special service was held on Saturday when the Archdeacon of York, the Ven Richard Seed, dedicated the window which has been designed by artist Helen Whittaker, of Barley's Studios, Dunnington.

It depicts the coats of arms of the town council, the Chamber of Trade and Commerce, the cross keys of St Peter's, and emblems of Norton College, Norton county primary school, and Norton Racing Association.

The window was created to celebrate the Queen's golden jubilee, and the Queen sent a message through the Deputy Lord Lieutenant for North Yorkshire, Commander Paul Sutermeister, of Barton-le-Street. Her Majesty sent her thanks and congratulations to all those who had been involved in the project.

The Vicar of St Peter's, the Rev Bill Ankers, said the window had been inspired by the children of Norton primary school.

"We wanted a permanent memorial that also incorporated elements of our community," he said.

A window was chosen in the church which caught the most daylight and was divided into six elements. Each of the organisations had raised money for its part of the design.

"The window is a wonderful addition to the very special glass that we already have in the parish church," said Mr Ankers.

Ms Whittaker said the window also included the White Rose of York and antique glass had been used in creating the designs.

During the service, which was attended by the chairman and lady of Ryedale District Council, Coun Brian Cottam and Mrs Cottam, the town mayor and mayoress of Norton, Coun and Mrs Keith Mennell, and the town mayor of Malton, Coun Ann Hopkinson, the archdeacon dedicated new items for the sanctuary.

A throw to cover the altar, a gift in memory of Eileen Triffett, a well-known Norton personality and church worker who died two years ago, and two altar saddle cloths, designed and embroidered by Celia Ankers, a member of the York Minster Embroiderers, were also dedicated at the service.

Mrs Ankers told the congregation how she had removed a century-old gold cross from a decaying altar hanging and incoporated it into the new cloth. The saddle cloths, in purple and green, have been donated by members of the congregation, said Mr Ankers, who added that it was now hoped someone would commission a red saddle cloth to complete the set.

Updated: 09:56 Wednesday, November 05, 2003