A tablecloth, measuring four and a half feet square, containing 156 signatures, is shortly to be sent to Melanesia, a group of Pacific islands north-east of Australia.

Responsible for this unusual gift is Miss Margaret Pollock, of Tor View, Lakenham, Northam. She thought of the idea about nine months ago and since then she has visited the majority of parish church members and her personal friends, who in turn inscribed their signatures on the tablecloth under the heading ‘Passenger list’. The signatures were then expertly embroidered by Miss Pollock, who is secretary of the Northam branch of the society.
Also depicted on the gift is the m.v Southern Cross, the new Mission ship, due to be launched next month.
Last weekend Miss Pollock sent the gift to Mr R P Garrity, head of the Mission in London.
Two of the oldest parishioners to inscribe their names are Mr J H Taylor, the world-famous retired golfer, and Mrs M C Pinhay, both of whom are in their 90s. Youngest is Melinda Jackson, of Broomhayes nursery. Others are the Rev and Mrs Basil Bridger, Col G L Stanley Smith and Mr A Griffey.
The full Gazette article is dated 23 February 1962