Skegness Magazine

Source: Skegness News 1989

Jolly Fisherman – in Tights!

THE Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr Ken and Jean Holland and the Jolly Fisherman, gave the thumbs up to work done by Miss Jessie Thornton of Longhurst Lodge, when they went to see the results of her most recent efforts last week.
Throughout the summer months, Jessie has been one of the star attractions at Church Farm Museum, nipping over the fence every Sunday to carry on with her handicraft work, much to the delight of visitors, who ply her with questions about the art of rug making and needlecraft.

The bathroom mat pictured (just back from an exhibition in Heckington) that took many weeks to complete, is made entirely from tights (about 39 pairs) all dyed in appropriate colours, which form a lively picture of our own special Jolly Fisherman.

The Mayor said he was particularly pleased that Jessie had included the pier.
The Mayoress was also very impressed with other work done by Jessie, cushion covers, back rests for chairs and some lovely tapestries.

Pictured with Miss Thornton (second from left) are the Mayor, Jolly Fisherman, the Mayoress and Ruth Walker from the Church Farm Museum.

So where is the Jolly Fisherman in Pantyhose Rug now? Any ideas?

We checked the Church Farm Museum but, though there are plenty of rag rugs scattered around, none is our Jolly. The museum staff on duty when we visited said they didn’t recall having seen a Jolly Fisherman rag rug, but they are investigating it for us. Will let you all know as soon as we hear anything…