AGM Garstang

6 of us from Bolton, attended the NW Region AGM last Saturday. I had to set up the pieces for the Broderers’ Cup. I should have counted but there were 2 tables full , exquisite work produced by Rochdale members.A few pieces are here. Voting took place before the start of the meeting and at the end Christine Poole our national chair was delighted to present the cup a certificate and token to Joyce Burgh.The room was really full, due to an excellent turnout of members and a number of exhibitions.The dreaded ties,,,well I was amazed with the ingenuity of members.It seemed like hundreds of pieces. We had to pack them so closely  as we were short of room, my photos will not do them justice.

There were also exhibitions of C and G, YE and Summer school.They are here on disk if you would like to see.

The AGM itself went well. The NW region seems to be thriving. Christine gave a report on behalf of the Trustees. We then had time for questions. Diplomatically, I must say that there were many questions posed that could not be answered by Christine. The members have charged Monica to put them to the trustees and we await their responses. I have yet to write up the Minutes from this meeting and am finding as many excuses as possible to delay.Watch this space.

October meeting

On Tuesday we welcomed a friend, Mrs Rubina Porter MBE to our meeting. Ruby has visited us several times but this time she wore her MBE with pride. This was a lovely touch as Ruby does not boast of this amazing award that she gained for work at the orphanage.Ruby “tells it as it is”, the horrors of life in the slums and in one of the worlds poorest countries of the world,but the success and respect that these orphans can{and do} achieve. Ruby has now made 33 visits and her family are all heavily involved. Ruby was so proud to tell us that her daughter had now been made a trustee and the Porter legacy will continue.Ruby gave a power point presentation but also brought along work produced by “her girls”.Finally , she  displayed scarves,bags and cards made at the orphanage and we had a great time doing early Christmas shopping.

These “three little maids” show off hats that they have made. Not one but 2 or 3 hats in some cases.

NEWSLETTER – OCTOBER 2013

NEWS

The Rose Bowl competition titles are “Black Magic” for 2014 and “Something Old, Something New” for 2015.

The members’ challenge for 2014 is “Tree Rhythms”. Closing date for entries - 14^th Feb 2014. Pick up an entry form today.

EXHIBITIONS & EVENTS

• One Step On Woodland Exhibition – Astley Hall, Chorley til 27^th October Sat & Sun only 12.30pm- 4pm. (Definitely worth seeing).
• 10+ Textiles are exhibiting at Bankfield Museum – Boothtown Rd Halifax HX3 6HG (Tel 01422 352334) Until Oct 26^th Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4pm.
• Altrincham Embroiderers’ Guild has an exhibition at the Waterside Arts Centre, Sale M3372F. Mon-Thurs 10-8pm, Fri – Sat 10-5pm, 21 September-10 November.
• The Gawthorpe Hall “Inspired” exhibition is on until November if you haven’t yet seen it. They also have Workshops available. See events@gawthorpetextiles.org.uk or telephone 01282 773963 for details.
• Lucinda Attwood is running embroidery classes at the Friends Meeting House in Silverwell Street, Bolton. on Mon. 10-12am, Tues 2-4pm, Weds 1-3pm. Call Lucinda (07977821119) or ask Brenda Cooper for further information.
• The knitting and Stitching Show is on at Harrogate International Centre 21-24 November.
• Grayson Perry Tapestries On Tour at Manchester City Gallery 24^th October – 21^st January.

See www.artfund.org/news/2013/06/05/grayson-peery-tapestries-to -tour

• Bolton Museum & Art Gallery. Exhibition entitled “Textile Treasures” until Sunday 3^rd November. For details of exhibitions - http://www.boltonmuseums.org.uk/exhibitions.

· Bolton Progressive Threads have an exhibition of contemporary textiles in felt, thread and mixed media inspired by Bolton Museum’s rich and diverse archive collection- “History Uncovered”, 4^th November- 26^th January situated in the Work Town Gallery at the end of Bolton Lives Gallery.

ADVANCE NOTICE

Lucinda Allwood will provide a pack of beads for £1 for those on the Ffaerie slippers workshop on November 9^th. Also required are an 8inch hoop and beading needles.

REMINDERS Thank you to everybody who has made Christmas tree decorations, it is to be assembled at the end of October. Handcrafted gifts, not necessarily Christmas related, are needed to go under the Christmas tree and I am sure we can make plenty of these. The tree should look dazzling and will raise a good amount for Francis House Children’s Hospice.

Ann is in need of hand made Birthday cards for sending to members if you have any to spare.

If you have any items for the Sales Table please see Jackie Martin. Jackie also needs clear envelopes (like the ones cards come packed in) if you have any please keep them and pass them on.

Raffle prizes are always welcome. Please see Barbara Ryall if you have anything.

If there are any library books you think would be suitable for us, please tell Sheelagh Madden. ( An ISBN would be helpful)

If you hear of any interesting exhibitions or events that you think may be of interest, please let Brenda Brown know and details can go on the newsletter.

.

Don’t forget our blog address for Bolton EG is http://begstitchers.blogspot.com/ .

Also just a reminder that the Guild web address is www.embroiderersguild.com

Hardwick Hall Visit

On Saturday 21st September, Clare had organised a coach to Take us to Hardwick Hall. I had been with the Guild many many years before but decided to go again. How I have moved on, first visit and I didnt really appreciate the Tapestries but this time Mary and I held long discussions about almost each and every one. We even taught a guide the term slip.The Hall is amazing and Bess must have been an amazing woman.I took loads of photos so will just included a taster. I have more if anyone wants to see/copy.

Mary and I spent ages studying this last piece of Queen Elizabeth 1st. Im sorry that this snap does not do it justice. The detailed embroidery on the dress , the lace, the beading…oh it was amazing. We were so lucky to see it as it was on the way to the National Portrait Gallery. It was a great visit, glorious weather, and good companionship. I look forward to the next.

September AGM

Como es ? or something like this. I have just arrived back from a week on Gran Canaria with Josie and my Mum, which might excuse the delay in putting my report together. Secondly, I forgot my camera and had to sak Ann to send snaps from her mobile.

Well we had a busy AGM. As voted at out EGM, Clare has managed to organise a full committee this year. She gave a report about her first year as Chair and we had the usual Agenda of items.

We then had to choose our favourite piece for Mollys Cup. This year the technique was Metal Thread. There were quite a number of entries and this year we were given five pennies to distribute as we wished.

Clare was delighted to present the winner

secondand third We then tried an activity that I called Stitch Consequences, where each member was given a piece of fabric and threads. She then had 10 minutes to fill 1/6 of the fabric with a specific stitch. It was then passed on and another section filled with a second stitch and so on. These samples could then be applied to a book cover or needle case. I made two and gave them to Barbara to put under of Xmas Tree. Dont forget ant final decorations must be brought to our October meeting,