I post this after some very hot days, the government has announced a lifting of some lockdown restrictions. I know, however, that some members need to continue to shield. I hope you all remain well and are able to continue with work, hobbies and, of course, stitching.
Viv Denscombe was due to come and run this month’s workshop. Instead, here are a few images of her work and some words I borrowed from her on line presence. We were due to use our Gelli plates, stencils and stamps with her before stitching.
Her work is inspired by stories, films and surroundings which are embedded in colour, texture and pattern, it explores mixed media incorporating stitch, fabric, paper and ephemera in many forms. Her passion is for books and their covers.
Her Art Journaling moves from paper and canvas to wall hangings.
The committee met on 24th via “Zoom” and so I’m able to report our discussions.
One of the most important matters we considered was the future branch programme. We had received an e mail from the URC, they currently have no plans to re-open, but to do so, they have to undertake various risk assessments, as will we to enable us to continue to use the premises. We should hear more in the future. In view of this we have cancelled our speakers and workshops for the remainder of this year, but hope to be able to rebook Mary McIntosh and Nodeen Salmon in 2021.
Provided we are able to begin gathering again we anticipate using the Saturday bookings for afternoon socials and cancelling the Friday evening meetings. It would be nice to meet again and share our sketchbooks, stitching and other stories in September, October, November and December. We would also do AGM business on the October date (17th). (You will see guidance the CEO has given about Branch AGM’s on the EG website.)
We do need to know if you would come to such social gatherings, please let me know ASAP.
This October date is important as branch officers need to be re-elected. I have informed the committee that as circumstances are so unusual I have reluctantly offered to remain in post for another six months if the membership is in agreement. Heather Taylor needs your agreement to succeed Leslie Southon as Programme Secretary.
You need to be aware that if the branch fails because of lack of volunteers stepping up to run it, failure will not be the fault of the committee members who are working hard on your behalf. Many members have served in these roles, and had fun doing so, in the past and should not feel obliged to step up again. If newer members want the branch to continue they must take on some responsibility.
We shall be calling for your branch membership subscriptions in September which have been reduced to £5 for all. You should all know that you will need to resubscribe to the National Guild separately, details are on the website.
Another matter we discussed was the success of our communications to you. Jackie Goffin, who works hard to post inspiring and stimulating information for us, reported a good number of views to items on our Facebook page. If you do visit, please leave a “like”, but it would be even better to “post”. I can report that initially the number of visitors to my blog increased, but this has not been sustained. I put a lot of effort into keeping it up to date so please do look at it.
Our treasurer, Mara, expects the branch to break even this year. In the event that future meetings are not well attended or workshops fully subscribed we will still have sufficient funds to cover any shortfall. The accounts should be presented at the AGM.
I would like members to contact me if they have suggestions, queries or grumbles and they can’t find answers in the newsletters, the guild website or my blog. The committee will be very pleased to consider any issue raised.
the smooth running of the branch. Without active, participating members it would be impossible to have the successful and full programme of talks, workshops, exhibitions and events that we have; we hope you’ll share your endeavours when we meet up again.
Leslie tells me that she is receiving the stitched images from the Picture Isolation Challenge we set up in March, she hopes to have all the pieces by September.
