A FESTIVAL QUILT–raffle result.

Monica Selway reports that the raffle of the Festival Quilt raised £578  and was won by a local lady from Wigan.

NATURAL PROGRESSION EXHIBITING GROUP

Several branch members have formed this new exhibiting group and we wish them well for the future.

1st June to 31st July 2011- 'Roses to Ruffles'
by Natural Progression
An exhibition of  contemporary and traditional textiles reflecting aspects of  Tudor and Elizabethan life at Samlesbury Hall, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, Lancashire  PR5 OUP-
Open 11.00am to 4.30pm every day except Saturdays.
Normal admission charges for entry to Samlesbury Hall apply. Disabled parking, toilets & stair lift.
Tel- 01254 812010 - www.samlesburyhall.co.uk.

JUNE RAFFLES

‘You are the Apple of My Eye’    ALL THE GREENS

ALSO in June we hold our half yearly raffle where the prizes are all based on anything ‘embroidery’ and there will be 3 baskets of goodies up for grabs, which will include a variety of – fabrics, threads, beads, books and more.
If you would like to contribute items for the baskets please bring to the meeting for Carolyn but don’t forget to buy your tickets on the day.

NEXT MEETING–4th JUNE

PLEASE NOTE – this meeting has been brought forward by one week and a has a few changes to our normal meetings.

Firstly we will start at 11.30 with a stitch and design session for our Olympic Postcards – based on SERBIA.
The committee will be providing the background fabric, calico backing and ready cut card so you will just need to bring your usual hand sewing equipment, a variety of threads and a notebook and pencil.

PLEASE if you use the internet, look up the country and any of the following which may interest you - the flora, fauna, art, architecture, costume, embroidery, customs, food, currency, maps etc……….  THE MORE PHOTOGRAPHS AND INFORMATION  we have on the day, the more we have to choose from.
You all did such a splendid job on the Rainbow Squares that we know you can do this too, so bring a packed lunch and join the Olympic stitchers.
John has already started on the National flag!!

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In the afternoon we have a TALK BY ANN ROGERS – MORE BAGS FOR SHAKESPEARE’S HEROINES.
It is a while now since Ann did the Part 1 talk for us, and for those of you new to the Branch I’m sure you will enjoy this one – the work is exquisite and each bag very covetable.

OH GOLLY GOSH!!

Elaine Hughes was our fascinating speaker on the 14th May and talked about her imaginary world of whimsical art textile pieces, which included harbour scenes, gardens and still life.  All constructed on her sewing machine from a variety of recycled fabrics, papers, tickets, postcards, dressmaking patterns and much more.

A thoroughly enjoyable afternoon.

With Elaine’s permission I have copied some of her images from her website – do have a look  – some lovely whimsical and quirky pieces.
www.ohgollygosh.co.uk

PARBOLD MEMBERS AND THE NORTH WEST REGION

Since the inception of the Parbold branch, over 14 years ago in 1996, we have been represented on the Regional committee by 5 of our branch members in several capacities.

Pat Birch, the founder member of Parbold, who had also started the Southport branch some years earlier, was Regional Secretary 1996-8 and then Chairman of the North West Region 1998-9.  In 1999 the Regional committee, led by Pat, took over the responsibility of organising and running Regional Day 2000 at Edge Hill College and after that Pat stood down.  Unfortunately Pat died in 2005.

Pauline Hannon – a previous member of the Kirkintilloch, Glasgow and Bolton branches; was Parbold Chairman from 1997–2000 and a member of the Regional committee.  In 2003 Pauline took over from Betty Mansfield as Regional Chairman, resigning in 2007 to move to London.   She was a Guild trustee for three years and acting National Vice-Chair from 2007-8.

I moved to the North West in October 2000,  having been a previous member of Banbury, and Northamptonshire branches;  founding member of the Daventry branch and the Regional Secretary for the Central East Regional committee 1995-2000 before the split into 2 regions – Eastern and East Midlands.
I was introduced to Betty Mansfield at the National AGM in Southampton in April 2000 and joined Parbold branch in the November.  I eventually found myself co-opted as NW Regional Treasurer in May 2001 and did this job for a further 6 years, finally ‘retiring’ as Treasurer in 2007 when I took over the temporary post of Regional Chair for 1 year only, from Pauline.

In 2006 Monica Selway was co-opted to the committee to help set up the three National Trust exhibitions to celebrate the Guild’s centenary and she is now currently Vice-Chair, due to take over as Regional Chair in October this year.

Our latest recruit to the Region is Sue Abbott who jumped in at the deep end in October 2009 by taking over the role of Young Embroiderers’ Organiser.

SO – who will be next?  We have set a trend and we need people to follow in our footstep - but perhaps we should be watching out for those who mention the dreaded word
“co-option” – beware!

It would be interesting to know of any other branch who has had this connection with work in the Region – let us know.

AND – of course we now have the ‘Icing on the Cake’  in the form of Pauline Hannon who has just taken over as Guild National Chairman and we all wish her well in this huge job – good luck Pauline – we will be thinking of you.