The Coat of Hopes has begun a 5-week journey across the Isle of Wight, drawing curiosity and admiration as it makes its way between towns and villages.
Made up of more than 700 patches created by community groups across the UK, the Coat was originally produced for the COP26 climate conference in 2021. It was designed to carry people’s hopes for the future of the planet and has since travelled around the country. The Coat will remain on the Isle of Wight until Monday 16th March.
On its journey to the Isle of Wight, the Coat passed the milestone of 2,000 miles travelled.
One of the patches was submitted by St Helen’s Eco Church and features an image of the Isle of Wight alongside a white-tailed eagle.
The first leg of the Isle of Wight journey took place on Saturday, when the Coat was walked from Department in Ryde along the seafront to St Helens. It attracted visitors to Department during its ‘For the Love of Stitch’ week and also spent time at Monkton Arts and the New Carnival Company.
Heavy rain meant a planned walk around the green in St Helens on Sunday could not go ahead. Instead, visitors gathered at the Community Centre to see and wear the Coat, sew new patches and carry out repair work. Children also took part in activities, having seen the Coat earlier in the week during a visit to St Helens Primary School. A well-attended Service of Hope was later held at the Chapel.
On Monday, the Coat was walked from St Helens to Newchurch, followed by a walk from Newchurch to Newport Minster on Tuesday, where it featured in the Ash Wednesday service. It then moved to Independent Arts in Newport High Street, where it will remain until Monday 23rd February.
Further planned walks include Newport to Brighstone on Saturday 28th February, Brighstone to Freshwater Bay on Saturday 7th March and Freshwater to Yarmouth on Sunday 15th March.
Anyone wishing to take part in one of the walks can email [email protected].
More information about the Coat of Hopes can be found at www.coatofhopes.uk by visiting the ‘NOW’ page for up-to-date details about events taking place on the Isle of Wight.
