As we start 2019 it's good to look back on all that happened in our 40th anniversary year. We've enjoyed collaborating on ruby squares, sharing our favourite pieces at the Open Day and welcoming new members to the Guild. As ever, there was a great range of speakers and day schools.
January
It was a cold, snow-filled winter and the December 2017 meeting was cancelled. That meant we held the Christmas party, Christmas competition and Tale of Two Members all together in January 2018. Meriel won the trophy with her charming children's book. Bev Archer and Clare Wilkins each shared examples of their beautiful work and entertained us with stories of their lives in stitch.
 |
| Meriel's ingenious winning entry |
 |
| Clare's cross stitch squaw |
 |
| Bev's bunny |
February
Our speaker was Sarah Hunt who broadened our stitching horizons with tales of her textile travels in South America. This really was an informative talk, illustrated with some stunning images. Sarah brought her own weaving examples and souvenir treasures.
March
Heavy snow fell again, keeping us from the Library session but at our regular meeting in Cotteridge Deed Curry entertained us with a really interesting talk. Deed has had careers in costume and nursing but we were all particularly fascinated with the behind the scenes details of being the Lady Mayoress for Birmingham which, representing one million people, is the biggest local authority in Europe.
In one year Deed attended 150 charity events, 13 separate graduations and joined in with 5 separate 100 birthday celebrations and all while holding down her day job!
 |
| Deed as Lady Mayoress |
 |
| A gorgeous bag from Deed's student days |
April
To celebrate 40 years as a branch we made a collection of ruby squares which looked beautiful together.
Jude Lovatt was the speaker and she left the message that it is always important to take inspiration from everything around us. If you can,make the effort to draw and never give on a piece of work - there are no mistakes!
May
We were in full swing preparing for our fast-approaching Open Day. Here we are creating cards and bouquets of tulips for sale on the day:
 |
| Creating cards |
 |
| A hive of industry |
 |
| Liz's tulips |
June
June brought our Open Day. It was a perfect summer's day and the whole thing was a great success. Thanks to everyone who came and took part. Thanks too for those who left such lovely feedback on our visitors' book.
 |
| Ready for visitors |
 |
| Home-baked goodies |
 |
| Just finished fixing the poster |
 |
| Just some of our exhibits |
June also saw the departure of Clare as our Secretary. Clare was moving to pastures new and we took the opportunity to wish her farewell and thank her for all the valued help she has given the branch.
July
The last meeting before the summer break was the celebration of our 40 years as a branch with ruby-themed treats and all the ruby squares on display. Thanks to Judith Rowley for her talk and the chance to see her beautiful exhibits.
 |
| Summer competition entries, raffle goodies and more... |
September
Start of a new programme and we welcomed Angie Attwood who gave us an up-to-date version of her journey in stitch, from sewing on sequins on her own ballroom dancing dresses to her current well-earned success in quilting and on TV.
Solihull's Regional day in Stafford was a fun day out:
 |
| Regional Day in Stafford |
October
October brought the much-anticipated Nicola Jarvis Day School. Nicola brought a selection of kits and we embarked on squirrels, acorns and crewel work flowers:
 |
| End of the day photo, taken by Nicola. |
 |
| Janet Lee's completed robin |
 |
| Marion Hillbourne's finished flower |
November
Sylvia Everitt came to the branch with a selection of her Staffordshire Millennium embroideries and gave us an excellent talk.
December
Marion Plumb provided our end of year party with another of her excellent talks. Marion is truly multi-talented. This time we had the benefit of her wisdom and experience in the world of hand-crafted hats. Thanks Marion!
 |
| Marion's irresistible hats |
 |
| Christmas competition entries |
And so to the end of 2018. A successful 40th year for the branch.
We have a new Chair - Anne Haigh - and we have paid tribute to Bernadette for all her cheerful hard work as Chair over the past six years.
Here's hoping the next 40 years will be as much fun!
Bye for now. Wishing you all a happy and prosperous 2019.
Comments