Several months ago fellow Guild members Diana Evans, Barbara Howard and myself planned a new branch. We were travelling each month to Birmingham Branch meetings, which were excellent, but an awfully long journey. Following a fair amount of research we finally found a venue in a school art room in Newport. Newport is on the border of Shropshire and Staffordshire, which seemed ideal. Start up costs were considerable because we needed insurance and all our electrical equipment had to have a test certificate. However, Barbara approached members of another craft group, (now defunct), and they kindly donated the remains of their funds to help us, which paid for the necessary insurance. A kind husband had all our electrical equipment tested and provided the certificate.
The first few months we struggled to get the number of enthusiasts necessary but we had a loyal core group, including a few very talented City & Guild silk painters who attended faithfully each month. Raising the numbers caused a few more headaches but having hedged our bets and kept quiet about the new branch until we got it going we can now happily announce an attendance of at least ten each month. In the last two months the group has changed venue: insurance is included in the hire cost, it is more conveniently situated, other Guilds have meetings and public events take place there.
Recently we were invited to take a Stand at the Newport Agricultural Show free of charge in the horticultural marquee. The event attracted a large public attendance and as a result we gained three more interested silk painters and a young Italian au pair who could only attend one meeting (she cycled four miles in the rain to be there on the following Monday). The pictures show an array of beautifully painted silk objects from our members including a large screen and silk covered glass among the usual scarves, bags, cushions, pictures, lavender pomanders, boxes and beads.
Our numbers are gradually increasing and each meeting to date has been a hive of activity. We have tackled a different subject related to silk painting and other textile mediums every month drawing upon the particular skills of each individual attending. Whilst these small workshops have been a great success, we are hoping when funds allow, to invite professional speakers and teachers. Any member of the Guild who would be kind enough to donate their time to talk to us or demonstrate would be greatly appreciated.
Monthly meetings are on the third Monday of each month at 6.45pm in The Cosy Hall, Water Street (just off the High Street) Newport. Further information can be obtained from Margaret Dunning 01785 254802, Diana Evans 01785 223339 and Barbara Howard 01952 811684.
Margaret Dunning
Co-ordinator