Newsletter

Newsletter – October 2026

It is great news that Gallows Corner roundabout is now fully open again, which will make travel to the meeting easier for some. Please see posters attached for the upcoming speakers, workshops (October and November) and group project.

Last speaker meeting recap (September 12th):

Mary Schoeser joined the group to talk on “Scandanavian textiles 1900- present”.

 

 

 

Upcoming speaker meeting and AGM (10th October, 1.45-5pm)

Our speaker is Ekta Kaul who will be streamed to our in-person meeting in the hall via video link. Signups are being taken for Bev Caleno’s coral workshop (24th October). Please see posters attached. A reminder that this year’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) follows directly the speaker meeting and the papers have been sent out for this via email.

Please can members:

  • Remember to renew your membership with Diane (either BACS, cash or cheque).
  • Bring your work for us to peruse in the hall after the Zoom speaker has finished e.g, Bayeux workshop items, and ‘a year in stitch’ project.

The first swaps for the new ‘A Year in Stitch’ hoop project will happen in October. You will need a hoop that is 10 or 12 inches wide, divided into 12 sections. Each segment is month of year being stitched in, and stitches show meaning to you. Red or green ribbon or thread is to be attached depending on whether you want to share with another person to help complete or complete it by yourself. Name your work, and speak to others about any swaps so they are aware who has it.

Residential 2027

Sign-up is open for the residential trip next year (2nd – 4th August 2027) at Manor of Groves with Jenny Adin-Christie as a tutor. Please find attached the poster.

Trip to Farnborough (11th September)

The trip Carol and Diane organised to Farnborough for the Creative Craft exhibition was a great success. It was a lovely day out, the coach was very comfortable and members and friends had a lovely time eating and buying inside the event.

Help needed please:

  1. Setting up PA system

The amp, floral bag (contains projector, microphones and leads), projector stand and notice board need to be collected from the store cupboard on level -1. It takes about 10 minutes to connect everything and to get the presentation uploaded. After the speaker has finished this equipment needs to be dismantled and returned to the cupboard.  We already have one person interested but would be good to have another to support with it please.

  1. Updating our online information i.e. Website and Facebook

Having an online presence contributes to the sustainability of the group and this has brought in new members over the years. Dora has managed the I.T. since 2017. The website runs on the basics of WordPress. There are several pages to update. Training will be given. A volunteer can take on one page at a time. Pat sends photos to Dora, which are then uploaded to the website as well as Facebook.

  • Please can members consider taking on the PA or I.T roles over the course of this membership year, to avoid these functions being abruptly stopped in 2027.

3.  Upcoming January workshop – volunteers requested

In January we usually run a practical session, and this is facilitated in-house by volunteers. This doesn’t have to be exclusively embroidery, for instance we have enjoyed sessions in the past such as dressmaking, knitting and crochet.

  • Please can you let us know if you would be happy to run one of these January 9th workshop sessions.

Hot drinks at the meetings

Committee have decided to trial changing the approach so that we ask members to bring their own cup. The kettles will be boiled at the start of the meeting and people can help themselves. This approach is similar to other groups and we hope it will save time on washing up, as people can rinse their own cup before they go. Anyone unable to make their own drink can be assisted by another member. Refreshment provisions will still kindly be provided i.e. teabags, coffee, milk, washing up liquid and biscuits.

  • Please bring your own cup to the meetings going forward.

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.

• The Hand & Lock Prize Exhibition 2026 will take place from Tuesday 3rd to Friday 6th November 2026 at The Building Centre in London. This event is not ticketed and entry to the event space is free.

Best wishes, Annie – R.E. Chairman