OUR STORY

The only Presbyterian Church on the historic city walls, with a small but welcoming congregation, the venue itself is part of the story – the ceiling features a well recognised quilting block known as “Courthouse Steps”, the floor tiles are  being recreated into a textile design inspired by the Armish quilting tradition where deliberate imperfections reflect humility before God. The very ornate and colourful stained glass windows known as the 'Tillie Windows' enrich the connection between culture, craft and community.

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Our stitching bee is a heritage-infused, hand on visitor experience that brings to life the rich textile and shirt making traditions of Derry-Londonderry. Set within the historic Lecture Hall at First Derry (formerly the Girls School, built in 1854), the experience blends story telling, textile craft, local characters, a lasting legacy of quilt making and reflective moments within a unique architectural and cultural setting.

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Tap into rich anecdotal storytelling, hear the untold histories, the shared reflections and the still vivid memories of the last generation of factory workers from a workforce that was 90% female – woman world famous for their resilience, humour, camaraderie and compassion.  

“No one messes with a Derry Mammy”.