If ever we were in praise of something, it’s these collections of beautiful prayer kneelers, lovingly stitched by Betty Astill for churches she has a connection with.

Betty has been making these church kneelers since 1986, all using Coats threads.

The blue set of kneelers (pictured) were made by Betty in memory of her paternal family who have lived in Strethall, Essex for centuries. “I made one for each 100 years,” Betty tells us. The Pledger family tree can be traced back in the village from 1490 to 1901 and, as you can see, Betty has made a kneeler for each of the centuries in between. There’s a kneeler each for John Pledger who was born in 1490, William in 1527, George in 1642, William in 1771, John in 1802 and Ben in 1901.

Betty is also responsible for this other stunningly colourful collection of 180 prayer mats for a church in Shropshire, which was the home of her late husband.

We are impressed. Do any more of you have collections or displays to rival Betty’s?