ANGRY about being ignored, the Ruardean Woodside Darby and Joan club have started a petition to get their memorial tapestry hung back on the walls of their village memorial hall.

Feeling "insulted" and "demeaned", the Darby and Joaners say they have largely given up on negotiation with the committee of the hall. Appeals for compromise from Mark Harper MP, and verderer, Maurice Bent have so far failed.

But in the meantime, the club members have taken to the streets with an impassioned petition.

"We the undersigned support the rehanging of the Darby and Joan's Club memorial tapestry on the grounds of common sense, to protect the heritage of the village and to respect the contribution made to the community by senior citizens past and present."

Spokeswoman, Maggie Bate, says the petition has already has enormous support and it is hoped to present it to the hall committee at the next meeting in early April.

The dispute over the commemorative tapestry started after it was removed for refurbishment of the hall. After the refurbishment, Darby and Joan members expected it to be re-hung to mark more than 50 years service to the community by club members. It wasn't.

"We understand there are people who say the tapestry will only ever be re-hung over their dead bodies," says Maggie.

Suicide over a memorial tapestry might well attract national interest. Meantime, the Darby and Joan Club are calling for talks and reconciliation to break the deadlock.

"We'd like to hear from the memorial hall committee. It is time they said something in public," said Mrs Bate.