Determined too beautiful to toss out it was also in an unusable condition. To the rescue came St Mary’s parishioner Jean Hall. For many years Jean ran a local lace museum and has had a long interest in fabric. She says, “It was threadbare and sweat-stained.” Probably it was worn in the older crossed-over style, which would account for the wear and staining. Jean thinks it is probably a hundred years old or maybe even older. The Rev Hugh suggests it be worn on the High Holidays. FI MCCAFFERTY