Out and about, Gawthorpe Hall

Last Saturday, Patricia Sue and I met at Gawthorpe Hall for our second stitch and chat days. Patricia has done a great deal of preparatory work and we were eager to start. Unfortunately there was some mix up and we were without a RKS member of staff. Fortunately we are adaptable and able to offer some limited stitching. I took along my leaves stitched for the National Stitch day  and Patricia had loads of stitched samples.  We shared our threads beads and equipment. The theme was Zodiac so we identified our own and had a go. Two members of the public came in to see us but then access was limited due to insurance worries. However the two guests were full of praise and loved their day. I believe both might well join the Guild, one in Bolton and another at Parbold. We were a little disappointed but relieved that three of our members were unable to attend and we had a really good chance to chat. Our final date is in October.

A few reminders, everlasting landscapes anytime please but I hope to see some at the AGM in October. Any leaves to be brought there too. AND Fri Sept 12th, an invitation  from Gawthorpe Hall . to those who stitched the CBP pieces.

National Stitch Day

Yesterday was the newish Guild initiative of a National Day of stitch. About 1/2 the branches in the NWR were taking part this year. It was suggested that we could make leaves and literally make a path between Lands End and John o Groats. We will see!!!I joined members of Pendle this year at Townley Hall, Burnley. I had the wrong time, arriving early and so as it was a glorious morning, I sat in the gardens .stitching. I was approached by members of the public and did chat quite a lot. Pendle members arrived and we went in doors. Refreshments were provided for us as we set up a small exhibition and began our leaves. Foot fall was rather slow to begin with but we soon began to engage the public with conversation. They were interested and full of compliments about our work.

I enjoyed the opportunity to actually spend time and chat with my felloe stitchers. Thank you Sue for your organisation.

Out and about. Keswick

Last Sunday, I drove up to Keswick. Its ages since I had been that for north in the Lakes and when I saw Skiddaw I remembered that it was the only mountain in the Lakes that I have not climbed. For a few minutes, I was tempted but then a reality check, I'm older, wiser and less fit!!!
Anyhow my purpose was to visit the Keswick Branch exhibition and meet with the,members there. I found the village hall in Threlkeld quite easily and was greeted by Pat the secretary who immediately offered me a cup of tea. A perfect welcome after a couple of hours in the car. I then met Debbie the new chair . We chatted about the branch, the problems still caused by the winter floods and the actuality of being a small isolated branch.

Debbie and Pat

Chats, demos and exhibits

The Keswick Banner

By chance I raised the Travelling Book idea and then went to my car and brought it in to show members. They, like me were very impressed and I might see two pages from then in the distant future. A light lunch and then I drove back, frustrated by the lines and lines of traffic cones for non existent road works but happy that I had seen all the lovely work and put more names to faces.

Stop Press

Mollys Cup is "Pods seeds and fruit" so I was on the right lines but not exactly there!!!

July meeting , Bolton

A glorious evening, we all met in the gardens of Ridgmont House for a Bucks Fizz and a short informal EGM. The purpose of this is to elect our committee so that we can have details printed on the programme. The committee will be officially ratified at the AGM in September.After this we moved inside for our annual meal. I managed to get group photos of each table, all looking very summery.

I collected the finished Capability Brown pieces but there is still time, Aug 14 to me, if anyone is still tempted. Otherwise have you started your piece for Mollys Cup awarded at our next meeting in September, from memory the title is something like nuts, berries and leaves. a theme not a technique. I havnt heard of any contribution from Bolton members for the National Stitch Day on Aug 6th,the idea is to find an unusual place to stitch and engage members of the public. Last year I sat all day in Asda but unless I hear from other Bolton members, I will join in with my other branch, Pendle this year.

Out and about,Rochdale

Months ago, Hilary invited me to the Rochdale afternoon tea and exhibition. last Saturday was the day. My sat nav has stopped showing the map so I was in a bit of a mess as I knew that had moved venues. However after minor detours, I found it, a lovely newly built church in the centre of Rochdale.
After a really warm welcome, I wandered into a huge room, set out with stalls and a raffle. In the corner were a variety of demonstrations. I was delighted to see and chat to Joyce who is looking so well after her illness.

 Hilary introduced me to a new member who had planned and designed a very unusual piece for the Gawthorpe Capability Brown exhibition.

Hilary was constantly dashing around and just mentioned that she had had an operation that week. Again, so good to see her still full of energy.

The exhibition was wide ranging and had some beautiful pieces. Below is just a selection of what was on offer.

I collected the other pieces for Gawthorpe and then had a very interesting and very long journey across to St Annes to celebrate my Mums 88 birthday.

Out and about ,Pendle.

I missed my Aqua class this morning as Joan had asked for an early start. Well I was actually the first there so had plenty of time to set up my laptop in case anyone wanted to see the Collection talk again. We all had lots to do, a table full to bursting for lunch , the Bell trophy competition, "Between the trees", the CBP pieces to be studied and then collected ready for Gawthorpe Hall and the anticipation of a very different raffle.
So once the members had arrived we decided to have an earlier lunch. Loaves and fishes come to mind as when we were all full, there was still masses of food left.

 So after lunch we had a brief business meeting and looked at all the exhibits.

Work ready for Gawthorpe Hall

Bell Trophy competition entries.

Sue presents the Trophy.

Kathryn then introduced her "crazy" raffle which was really great fun. I will not tell you how it works but there were some tactics and mean players and I will not mention the Timari Balls!!!!

Finally we had to say goodbye to one of our members Gill who as moving south to be nearer her daughter. We were able to send Gill off with a card and pot plant and she offered accommodation to us all in London. We wish her well.