The World’s Longest Line of Bunting
On Monday, after months of hard work from all involved, METAL were ready to make the official challenge to Guinness World Record for the longest continuous line of bunting. The 2158metres of bunting that has been created by over 50 local schools and community groups is the exact length of Southend on Sea’s landmark pier, and has been stitched on to one continuous length of ribbon.
Throughout the summer of 2009, the Southend community became inspired. METAL have received over 9,000 beautifully decorated flags of all colours and designs; some with messages to loved ones, others with embroidered patterns, knitting, appliqué. All of them have demonstrated the wealth of creativity across the borough.
As part of the challenge requirements Metal has put the bunting up on exhibition in Chalkwell Park. Councillor Derek Jarvis, who holds the portfolio for Culture with Southend on Sea Borough Council was officiating the process of checking the flag templates and the distance between the flags stitched on.
Derek Jarvis commented:
“The bunting project is an excellent example of how METAL have come into Southend and inspired the community to become involved. It has shown how art can be inclusive as contributions of flags have been received from all differing community groups – young and old alike.”
METAL are confident that the Southend on Sea community have broken the current record of 1504metres. Following our official submission on 26th October, the adjudication process will take about 10 days and we hope to announce our achievement of the Guinness World Record by Friday, 6th November 2009.
To coincide with the exhibition of the completed bunting line, METAL will be opening the newly renovated Chalkwell Hall to the public this week until Saturday 31st October. Visitors will be able to see the work that has been undertaken to bring the Hall back into use, alongside some works of art that were commissioned as part of the renovation process. Opening hours: 11- 4pm.
METAL would like to thank all those who contributed to this magnificent project. Whether they decorated one or one hundred, of the 9,000+ bunting flags that were submitted, or volunteered their time sewing the flags onto the bunting line, their efforts are greatly appreciated.
On Monday, Cllr Derek Jarvis measured the flag dimensions and length of the line whilst it is being installed within the park, and on Tuesday, a special celebratory photo of everyone involved has taken place underneath the fully installed bunting line in the avenue from Chalkwell Hall to London Road in Chalkwell Park.
The Guinness World Record Requirements are: the buntings line has to be one continual length, the flags all have to be the same size and the flags have to be sewn on at 5cm intervals. The current record holders are: The Myotubular Trust who created a bunting line of 1504.72m on July 2006.
Special recognition from Metal goes to:
- The Hadleigh Evening WI who contributed 1,313 flags
- Shoebury High School contributed the largest number of flags from a senior school – 782
- West Leigh Juniors contributed the largest number from a junior school – 540
- Hamstel Infants contributed the largest number from an infant school – 533
- The largest number of flags from an individual came from Anita Shepherd, who contributed 164 flags!
