Most people have an interesting story to tell. This topical story relates to the world-renowned St Leger Stakes, the oldest classic horse race in the world. First run in 1776, it moved to Doncaster Town Moor in 1778. This year’s St Leger Stakes takes place on Saturday 13th September.
Although many local people know that the race was founded by ex- Grimsby MP Colonel Antony St Leger, very few will know the fascinating connection between St Leger winning jockeys 1995-2020 and the coordinator of Rotherham u3a’s Embroidery and Soft Furnishings group.
In 1995 this multi-skilled craftswoman was asked to take over the making of a commemorative cap presented each year to the jockey winning the St Leger Stakes. The caps and tassels were fashioned in different silks according to the sponsor’s colours, and embroidered with ‘St Leger’, the current year, the sponsor’s name and relevant motifs. Her first (1995) cap was won by Frankie Dettori, riding Classic Cliché and her final (2020) cap was presented to Tom Marquand who rode Galileo Chrome to victory. Under new management in 2021, the longstanding tradition of hand-crafted winners’ caps was discontinued. However, the skills involved in designing, making and embellishing soft furnishings by hand continue to be handed down to Rotherham u3a (Ru3a) members by their talented group leader.
Members of the public are invited to visit a display of some of their work, alongside that produced by many of the 35 activity groups available at the Ru3a Open Day at Stag Community Church (S60 4SN), on Saturday 20th September between 10.00am and 3.00pm. It is free entry, and light refreshments will be available.
For more details, see http://rotherham.u3asite.uk or text / phone 07359 778361.