AGM January 13th 2024

Yesterday was our annual AGM. The morning was given to short talks by members about their Summer School Courses last year. This was great for new members and others thinking about going in 2025 as they will have some idea about what to expect. Summer School happens every 2 years and is open to members of the guild and moves to different parts of the UK. Last year it was at Harper Adams University, Newport, Shropshire. Next year it will be in Scotland so its a bit further for Birmingham members to travel!

Charlotte and Jane talked about their weaving courses with Charlotte showing us her sampler and Jane bringing her loom with her work still in progress. They were both enthusiastic about their courses and tutors and their weaving was excellent. Tina showed us what she had made in her 3D needle felting. It had been her 3rd choice and something she had never attempted before. Her dog and farmer were superb and everyone was wowed that Tina was a beginner. I think she is talented and should continue. Janice told us about her experience as a volunteer and showed us her dress she had made in the nuno felting course. She was very pleased with it and was full of praise for her tutor. I think she deserves praise for completing that as well as all her duties as a volunteer on the Summer School Committee. Kate made us laugh with her box of 'compost' that she had made on her paper making course. The course only used natural materials (think banana skins, orange peel, flowers, leaves ....)

Kate and I talked about our experiences in Shetland at Shetland Wool week last year. www.wendysholidays.wordpress.com  is the website where I wrote about it if anyone is interested

The afternoon was taken up by the AGM with reports from members of the committee. We heard about our workshops and talks last year. We now have 37 members already paid for this year. We have a new library coordinator - Gemma, and are still hoping for a newsletter editor. Other committee members are the same as last year. There was discussion about Open Day which will be continued.

And now to my final info ....Obviously the most important vote was about our competition challenge for Open Day this year! It  was voted that we should use an artwork as inspiration for our piece which should use any or all of our disciplines (weaving/spinning/dyeing)

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Charlotte's weaving

Janice's dress

Jane's weaving

Tina's 3D felting

Kate's compost!