“Is there anything I can do to help you?” I hesitantly ask the visitor in tears in front of a Tapestry panel.

On her travels from Australia, she was okay - just overwhelmed by seeing something she had heard so much about. The Quaker Tapestry definitely has a wow factor, albeit not usually one that prompts tears.

With this power to move people why does one of Kendal’s most successful exports, described by traveller and writer Alexander McCall Smith as one of the six best tapestries in the world to see, remain one of the town’s best-kept secrets?

Is it because we are less likely to visit an attraction on our own doorstep, perhaps valuing something more if we have travelled to see it?

A stitched masterpiece in story-telling, and thus likened to the Bayeux Tapestry, the vibrancy and richness of the colours are not possible to portray in print or film. To be moved by it, you really do need to see the embroideries in person.

‘Inspirational’ is the word most often used by visitors to describe it, with the ability to ‘speak’ to people in different ways. As one person, on a third visit, explained: “The first time I saw it I read all the information and the inspirational quotes; on my second visit I enjoyed its storytelling qualities and was surprised at how much of the social history I didn’t know; and this time I have actually noticed the stitches!”

I have been working with the Quaker Tapestry since 1994 when we established its permanent home at the Friends Meeting House.

With a background in art, design, illustration and a love of all textiles, when I spend time with the panels I am usually examining the embroidery stitches. Just how many colours of wool does it take to create an evocative sunset, what brilliance produced a three dimensional engine funnel or created a perspective in a landscape that allows you to see for miles?

It wasn’t until February 2001, when we were exhibiting the Tapestry at Beverley Minster, that I became absorbed by the stories and social history within the Quaker Tapestry.

Beverley is the hometown of Ann Nichols, one of the four main teachers who enabled the 4,000 men, woman and children to create the 77 Quaker Tapestry panels between 1981 and 1996.

You could have heard a pin drop as Ann, a wonderful storyteller, told a class of nine year olds - sitting open-mouthed on the stone floor of the dimly lit Minster - the tale of Richard Sellar.

This young Quaker refused to fight when he was press ganged to join the 17th century Dutch War. He was made an example of by the captain with horrible punishments.

Richard Sellar’s story stayed with me for several weeks. It eventually led to me and my partner, Roy, researching and writing a whole album of songs, the ‘Universal Chorus,’ all inspired by the Quaker Tapestry. In another life Roy and I sing as a duo on the folk scene. Our claim to fame is singing the title song from the album on the BBC’s ‘Songs of Praise’ in 2002!

Over the years the Quaker Tapestry and its stories of remarkable people have inspired all sorts of people to produce: poetry, song, theatre, other textile projects small and large, Scottish dances, music, sculpture, academic writings, films, books and TV programmes... to name a few!

So come on people of the South Lakes, call in and have a look at this inspiring gem of a Tapestry on your doorstep. Discover what the world travellers are marvelling at and be moved and inspired to do something wonderful.