OPEN DAY NEWS

WOW what a day we had  - if you couldn't get there you really missed a treat.
Sue Chisnall and Tracey Ramsay our joint Chairmen, deserve special thanks for the enormous amounts of time and effort they put into the planning and background; the visits to Mills, Museums, Canals and Coal-mines to prepare samples and ideas for our Hands-on days that we had in the build up to this event.  It really was worth all that effort - thanks U2.  
The displays looked absolutely great with a table devoted to each of the four subjects of Local Industrial Heritage.

 
Wakes Week Postcards - There was a huge variety of fabric postcards on show and for sale.

 

 Mining - The miners ‘buttie’ (or sandwich) boxes proved very popular as they each contained a little colourful gift – brooches, pendants etc.

 
Canals - A variety of stencil printed bags following Canal barge painting designs and the horses feed bag shape.

 
The Canal bargemen wore intricately stitched belts made by wives and girlfriends, based on check tea-towel material and these proved very popular.
Christina Mutch and Sue Tyldesley ran an ongoing hands-on workshop throughout the day and many of the visitors took part.   I think these might become a popular fashion accessory in the branch!!

Weaving -
A variety of weaving equipment – clogs, shuttles and posters were on display as well as some hand woven pieces by members.

Continuous spinning and weaving demonstrations throughout the day were undertaken by several members of the Merseyside Weavers group and their contribution was much appreciated.

IN ADDITION we also had a display of members own work, which never ceases to amaze me – we never see some of this work being done but we always get a good display for an exhibition that does everyone proud – a few examples -

The 'Catering team' did sterling work and kept everyone fed and watered and we had great fun on the door, talking to all the visitors.  AND of course our two Trade stands selling a wide variety of paints, dyes, fabrics, beads etc………………..

The whole event seems to have been a great success with  over 145 visitors who appreciated absolutely everything and have written some really nice comments in our Visitors book.  Do read it at the next meeting.

We hope now that some of them follow up on this and return as visitors to our monthly meetings and eventually of course join us as new members in September.

WELL DONE TO EVERYONE – IT WAS A HUGE SUCCESS and worth all the hard work put in by members.