Newsletter – May 2026
April 18th meeting recap:
This meeting was a Sit and Stitch activity – it is lovely that the group offers such fantastic support to each other, and members enjoy sitting together and chatting. The group stitched using transfers, and Diane demonstrated sashiko. Photos of work that members brought can be seen here.
Diane also gave a presentation summarising the groups finances, as we are halfway through the year. Joy brought in a delicious cake to celebrate her 80th birthday.
April 28th workshop recap
The focus was crewelwork, with our own RSN trained member Kate Pankhurst. It was such a pleasure to have Kate back as a tutor. Her workshops are very popular due to her excellent presentation, materials and her patience with us. This project was so engaging that very little housework got done this week as attendees just couldn’t put this project down!
Upcoming dates in May and June
Founders Day (13th June) is swiftly approaching. A reminder that the Chairman’s Challenge competition theme is wood and/or silver. The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place prize money has increased this year – please see poster attached.
There are places available on the following workshops (see posters attached):
• May 23rd: Alison Hulme “Print, print and print again”
• June 27th: Wendy Mansfield “Vintage handstitch”
➔ If you are interested in attending, then please email romfordembroiderers@gmail.com or speak to Diane at the May meeting.
Upcoming meeting (9th May 1.45pm-4pm)
Emily Tull will be joining us to talk through “A Stitch in Time” see poster attached.
Please would members:
➔ Check whether they have any R.E. library books which need to be returned. If you have library books at home, could you please private message Carol the title(s) and author surname(s). Many thanks. We will eventually be disposing of some books but will of course give members the opportunity to buy them first.
Residential 2027
Please note that the intended dates for the residential trip next year are 2nd – 4th August, so members can set aside if they think they might be interested. It will be held at Manor of Groves.
Some events, and online content, you may be interested in:
Thanks to everyone who kindly shares info that may be of interest to our members.
• On until 31 May 2026 Canticle of the Birds – Aga Khan Centre
• On until 11 June 2026 Divine and Mythical Creatures from the RSN Collection & Archive – Royal School of Needlework Embroidery Studios at Hampton Court Palace. Bookings start from £25 per person.
• On until 21 June 2026 Women in Print – William Morris Gallery, Lloyd Park, Forest Road, London E17 4PP. Free admission.
• On until 13 Sept 2026 The Material Heart: Front Line to Home Front – Fashion and Textile Museum Sarah Campbell, who is currently exhibiting at the Textile Museum, is also our speaker in September.
• On until 13 Sept 2026 Paint! Pattern! Print! – Fashion and Textile Museum
• 13 to 25 July – Picking up the Thread, The Past, Present and Future of Tapestry –Morley Gallery London
Best wishes, Annie – R.E. Chairman
