Bags of inspiration in crafty fundraiser for Lisburn Cathedral Hall

Monday August 4th 2025

Crafters Tracey Carberry and Margaret Fullerton.

Two members of Lisburn Cathedral are using their crafting skills to produce hand-made bags in various sizes which they are selling to raise funds for the renovation of the Cathedral Hall.

The bags are all hand-made and therefore unique.

Margaret Fullerton has been crafting for decades and facilitates the Nimble Fingers group in Lisburn Cathedral, while Tracey Carberry recently joined Nimble Fingers and has discovered the joy of a sewing machine!

The Cathedral Hall is in the process of being extensively renovated and parishioners have been involved in various fundraising activities.

In January, homegroups were asked to think of an original fundraising idea. Margaret and Tracey are in the same homegroup, and the challenge inspired them to make and sell bags as their contribution.

Margaret and Tracey said: “So the sewing frenzy began, housework has been abandoned for the year!”

The bags for life are for sale in Lisburn Cathedral coffee shop which is open on Friday mornings from 10am to 1pm.

They are crafting a variety of bags. These include tote bags in different sizes and materials (large 16 x 16 inches; medium 13 x 13 inches; and small gift bags 10 x 10 inches).

The ladies added: “We are planning to branch out into messenger bags, earphone pouches and fold up handbag shopper bags! Bags can also be custom-made to the desired size.

“These bags are of good quality materials as the intention is to provide sustainable bags for life.”

These unique bags are available through the Lisburn Cathedral coffee room on Fridays from 10am to 1pm, and bag orders can be forwarded to Margaret and Tracey through the Lisburn Cathedral office.