Other News
The North West Regional Chair’s Challenge 2019-2020
It was several months ago before the Covid 19 crisis that Sue Chisnall, our NW Chair, challenged each Embroiderers’ Guild branch in the NW region to stitch a joint piece to showcase the benefits of being part of the Guild and a branch.
The Preston Branch Committee met and discussed the options. We decided we needed something that could be stored easily and not take up too much room in one of our store cupboards. In a moment, one night, whilst churning ideas around in my head because I was wide awake, I thought a cube mobile would be a different approach to the Preston Branch piece.
Having made a cardboard model and one side of a cube the committee rose to the challenge and discussed further the topics, fabrics and designs.
It was decided to use ‘Bosal’, a light flexible, but firm fabric used in bag making, to stiffen each square and squares of white cotton sheeting, giving plenty of scope for members to design their own ideas. Committee members took on the role of team leaders and Carolynne volunteered to stitch badges for the base of each cube.
The badge designed and digitised by Carolynne.
The Preston Branch Committee met and discussed the options. We decided we needed something that could be stored easily and not take up too much room in one of our store cupboards. In a moment, one night, whilst churning ideas around in my head because I was wide awake, I thought a cube mobile would be a different approach to the Preston Branch piece.
Having made a cardboard model and one side of a cube the committee rose to the challenge and discussed further the topics, fabrics and designs.
It was decided to use ‘Bosal’, a light flexible, but firm fabric used in bag making, to stiffen each square and squares of white cotton sheeting, giving plenty of scope for members to design their own ideas. Committee members took on the role of team leaders and Carolynne volunteered to stitch badges for the base of each cube.
The badge designed and digitised by Carolynne.
The cubes were given titles; skills, friendship, community projects, competitions, meetings, education, fun and challenge.
After a little gentle persuasion members began to sign up for a topic and took away the prepared materials.
That was in February and March 2020. Just after the last meeting the country was in lockdown and meetings have been on hold ever since but that hasn’t stopped our members being creative and producing delightful interpretations for our cubes. There have been some hiccups and some members found the isolation of not meeting to discuss and share expertise difficult, but others have stepped in and taken on more of the workload to help out.
After a little gentle persuasion members began to sign up for a topic and took away the prepared materials.
That was in February and March 2020. Just after the last meeting the country was in lockdown and meetings have been on hold ever since but that hasn’t stopped our members being creative and producing delightful interpretations for our cubes. There have been some hiccups and some members found the isolation of not meeting to discuss and share expertise difficult, but others have stepped in and taken on more of the workload to help out.
The result has been brilliant and the mobile is now ready to be displayed at our meetings, exhibitions, Open days and wherever we want to showcase what the Guild has to offer.
Thanks to all the members who have helped to produce the mobile and to all the committee for their commitment to the project.
Ann Reading (Preston Branch)
Thanks to all the members who have helped to produce the mobile and to all the committee for their commitment to the project.
Ann Reading (Preston Branch)
National Celebration of Stitch Day
22nd June 2019
22nd June 2019
Once again we were delighted to hold our National Celebration of Stitch at Savick library, in Preston. We arrived early to set up a small exhibition of our work and prepare the work tables, to be greeted with great enthusiasm from Jennifer and the library staff.
When we were sorted everyone enjoyed a cuppa before the visitors came at 10:00am. Some were early and were eager to get started.
Ann and Kath had printed ‘HOME’ onto calico and Aida and had stitched a machined satin stitch border around each one ready for the day. Once shown the examples of the stitched bookmarks, which Ann and Irene had completed with a variety of ideas, they got on with the task of stitching. There was a steady flow of ladies, children, mums and dads who all stayed for the whole morning.
Ann and Kath had printed ‘HOME’ onto calico and Aida and had stitched a machined satin stitch border around each one ready for the day. Once shown the examples of the stitched bookmarks, which Ann and Irene had completed with a variety of ideas, they got on with the task of stitching. There was a steady flow of ladies, children, mums and dads who all stayed for the whole morning.
As they stitched their bookmarks, there was laughter and great conversation. Some of the ladies hesitant at first began to get the hang of chain stitch and back stitch as they sewed around the printed letters. “It is all coming back to me now”, said one of the ladies. “I remember learning chain stitch at school”.
Members were eagerly encouraging everyone to try new stitches as well as create their own ideas.
Members were eagerly encouraging everyone to try new stitches as well as create their own ideas.
Jennifer kept us plied with tea, coffee and juice as well as plates of brownies and chocolate Krispies. The time passed very quickly and soon it was time to clear away for another year. We handed out our branch leaflets and several said they would be considering joining us in the future.
Thank you once again to Jennifer, the library staff and Jennifer’s husband who was also on hand to assist. Everyone had enjoyed a very successful morning of stitch. We are working alongside Jennifer for a community project for the library linked with the Preston Arts Society Week later on in the year.
Thank you once again to Jennifer, the library staff and Jennifer’s husband who was also on hand to assist. Everyone had enjoyed a very successful morning of stitch. We are working alongside Jennifer for a community project for the library linked with the Preston Arts Society Week later on in the year.
Shorelines and Seascapes - Our 2019 Exhibition
Our biannual Exhibition took place in the Green Room at Barton Grange Garden Centre last weekend, February 22nd – 24th inclusive. The Exhibition title was “Shorelines and Seascapes,” a popular topic with the public on an exceptionally warm and sunny weekend.
An interesting and varied display on the subject, featured a range of techniques from traditional stitches through mixed media with stitch, as well as three dimensional pieces, including two mermaids who had popped in for a chat!
Our biannual Exhibition took place in the Green Room at Barton Grange Garden Centre last weekend, February 22nd – 24th inclusive. The Exhibition title was “Shorelines and Seascapes,” a popular topic with the public on an exceptionally warm and sunny weekend.
An interesting and varied display on the subject, featured a range of techniques from traditional stitches through mixed media with stitch, as well as three dimensional pieces, including two mermaids who had popped in for a chat!
Apart from these main pieces, there were day school and workshop items made in the past two years, plus the Chair’s Challenges, to show the breadth of subjects and techniques we cover. These included samples of fabric dyeing and transfer printing, crewel work cushions, needle weaving , book making, 3D vessels and felted bags to name but a few, demonstrating the broad appeal of our annual programme.
Two group projects were on display: Our new bunting advertises our branch presence at events and a large embroidered panel entitled, “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” which was presented to Preston Samaritans in June 2018. The title reflects the very important “listening ear,” the Samaritans provide to people in our area in these challenging times. This embroidery drew a good deal of attention and many visitors spent time reading the accompanying commentary. Many also remarked that they would have liked to vote for it.
Our members demonstrating techniques, did a sterling job, engaging the public and enabling visitors to try something new, while stewards were available to chat to the visitors and answer questions.
The Visitors’ votes for their favourite numbered piece, proved very popular with both children and adults, many of whom looked round more than once, to help them choose just one piece from all that they liked. Our visitors’ book contains pages of positive feedback, a fitting tribute to the hard work and enthusiasm of the members of Preston Branch.
Dee Eastham (Chair)
Dee Eastham (Chair)
The Bunting Project
At one of the committee meetings an idea was floated about stitching a bunting piece spelling out the name of our branch, which could be used at exhibitions, open days or whenever we felt the need to advertise our branch. Once the seed had been sewn we set about organising the project. A suitable size of pennant, letter font and instructions were designed. The committee discussed the colours and it was suggested to use the colour wheel –blue, purple, red, orange, yellow and green. The idea of a contrast was also added to enhance the main colour.
At the June meeting members were invited to take an envelope with material and instructions. Only a little gentle persuasion was needed for all 26 pennants (twenty four letters and two spacers) to be distributed. The deadline for completion was the September meeting; the first meeting of our new year.
There were several questions over the summer but nothing that couldn’t be answered and several members asked for help and ideas but as one member said, “Once I’d got over the initial nervousness, I thoroughly enjoyed the therapeutic role”.
At one of the committee meetings an idea was floated about stitching a bunting piece spelling out the name of our branch, which could be used at exhibitions, open days or whenever we felt the need to advertise our branch. Once the seed had been sewn we set about organising the project. A suitable size of pennant, letter font and instructions were designed. The committee discussed the colours and it was suggested to use the colour wheel –blue, purple, red, orange, yellow and green. The idea of a contrast was also added to enhance the main colour.
At the June meeting members were invited to take an envelope with material and instructions. Only a little gentle persuasion was needed for all 26 pennants (twenty four letters and two spacers) to be distributed. The deadline for completion was the September meeting; the first meeting of our new year.
There were several questions over the summer but nothing that couldn’t be answered and several members asked for help and ideas but as one member said, “Once I’d got over the initial nervousness, I thoroughly enjoyed the therapeutic role”.
The September meeting brought in the bunting pieces and what a joy to see them laid out on the table. There were such a variety of techniques used from delicate hand stitching of seeding and French knots, through to stem stitch, back stitch and chain stitch to name just a few. Others showed canvas work, bead work and appliqué, machine embroidery, quilting and even digitised machining. Some members dyed or coloured their fabric with fabric paints or used a suitable piece of coloured fabric from their stash.
Once all the pieces were put into the correct order to spell out ‘PRESTON EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD’, a name label was attached on the back naming the stitcher and then a neutral coloured grosgrain ribbon was applied to hold them into place.
Once all the pieces were put into the correct order to spell out ‘PRESTON EMBROIDERERS’ GUILD’, a name label was attached on the back naming the stitcher and then a neutral coloured grosgrain ribbon was applied to hold them into place.
The bunting was displayed at our October AGM and much admired by everyone. It will certainly be well used to advertise our guild.
A.R.
A.R.
100 Hearts.
When the Embroiderers’ Guild encouraged its members to embroider a heart to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1, five members of the Preston branch rose to the challenge. Several were personal stories, although all reflected the stories of bravery of the people who were caught up in the war.
All five of the hearts were on display at Liverpool Anglian Cathedral along with 74 other hearts made by members of the Embroiderers’ Guild and 21 hearts stitched by the staff and volunteers of the cathedral.
When the Embroiderers’ Guild encouraged its members to embroider a heart to commemorate 100 years since the end of WW1, five members of the Preston branch rose to the challenge. Several were personal stories, although all reflected the stories of bravery of the people who were caught up in the war.
All five of the hearts were on display at Liverpool Anglian Cathedral along with 74 other hearts made by members of the Embroiderers’ Guild and 21 hearts stitched by the staff and volunteers of the cathedral.
Together they made a wonderful display and one lady said to me, ‘Amazing work and the stories are so emotional’. The exhibition ran from the 10th September 2018 – 7th October 2018. There was also a small exhibition showcasing the work of Edward Carter Preston, a sculptor, where the hearts were displayed.
Edwina Winter:
My heart shows the effect of WW1 on the life of my paternal grandmother, Jessie Axon. Her father, brother, uncle and cousin all lost their lives in the War. After it was all over, and peace returned, she married war veteran, Ernest Cucksey, my grandfather.
I have used machine embroidery for the names and dates of death inspired by regimental ribbons, red and white embroidery for the Union Jack, and green fabric for the fields before and after the war. Red poppies are for remembrance and the hearts and wedding bells to show love and marriage after the war and to show that life continues for the survivors. The yellow and pink hand dyed fabric depicts the sunshine after the death and destruction.
My heart shows the effect of WW1 on the life of my paternal grandmother, Jessie Axon. Her father, brother, uncle and cousin all lost their lives in the War. After it was all over, and peace returned, she married war veteran, Ernest Cucksey, my grandfather.
I have used machine embroidery for the names and dates of death inspired by regimental ribbons, red and white embroidery for the Union Jack, and green fabric for the fields before and after the war. Red poppies are for remembrance and the hearts and wedding bells to show love and marriage after the war and to show that life continues for the survivors. The yellow and pink hand dyed fabric depicts the sunshine after the death and destruction.
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Yvonne Downing:
At 7:30am on the 1st July 1916, the Accrington Pals left their trenches. In less than 20 minutes 240 Pals had died and 392 lay wounded, several of whom died weeks or months later from their injuries. I used drawings from photographs and researched information about the Accrington pals for my design. I then used free motion machine embroidery and needle felting. I added Markal oil bar rubbings on sheer fabric taken from the war memorial, then layered these with free motion machine work. I finally applied a machine made cord edging and stiffened fabric poppies with beads. |
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Dee Eastham:
My heart has been made in remembrance of my grandfather’s brothers who were killed in action in September 1915; one in France the other in East Africa.
The inspiration for my heart was taken from pincushions of the period, which were given as mementos. I used free machine reverse appliqué for the silk shape, free machined poppies on water soluble fabric, hand embroidered lettering using embroidery floss and flower threads. I couched threads and added beading. I then hand stitched the edge with satin stitch.
My heart has been made in remembrance of my grandfather’s brothers who were killed in action in September 1915; one in France the other in East Africa.
The inspiration for my heart was taken from pincushions of the period, which were given as mementos. I used free machine reverse appliqué for the silk shape, free machined poppies on water soluble fabric, hand embroidered lettering using embroidery floss and flower threads. I couched threads and added beading. I then hand stitched the edge with satin stitch.
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Sandie Maher:
My husband was a submariner and I was in the Wrens .We met at HMS Neptune, Faslane in 1971. I decided to look at the submarines and submariners of WW1. Eighty submarines were in service when the Great War broke out in 1914. HMS Holland 1, the first British submarine, was trialled in 1902. It was Admiral George Arbuthnot “Jacky” Fisher who, as an innovator, strategist and developer of the navy, encouraged the introduction of submarines into the Royal Navy when he became head of the admiralty in 1914 (First Sea Lord). My heart shows a Stumpwork WW1 submarine with added couched threads and trinket anchors. The edge is backstitched with silver thread. |
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Ann Reading:
My heart is in memory of my husband’s grandfather Corporal GE Reading. My husband has had his identity bracelet and one of his medals for many years. Although Corporal Reading survived the war he died soon afterwards. We had no idea what the Labour Corps was until I researched it on the internet. I found out that it was formed in January 1917 from men who were non-combatants- initially were not classed ‘A1 for combat’ but were deployed for work within range of the battlefields. They carried out a range of defence duties, which included road/railway building and repairs, moving munitions and stores, loading and unloading ships and burial duties. |
I designed my heart to reflect some of the types of work carried out; bridge building and moving munitions. The cap badge of the labour corps shows a pick, shovel and a rifle and this was machine embroidered on dissolvable fabric. The motto of the corps “Labour • Omnia • Vincit” is hand stitched onto the ribbon.
Three stump work poppies are entwined throughout the design. The heart is finished with a hand twisted cord.
A.R.
Three stump work poppies are entwined throughout the design. The heart is finished with a hand twisted cord.
A.R.
Cushions for the Almelo Exchange
Preston has a history of working with European cities and has been twinned with Almelo in Holland since 1948. Thus, this year sees the 70th year of their twinning.
In December 2016, Preston Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild were invited to consider making something which would be part of an exchange of gifts to celebrate 70 years.
It was discussed with members early in the new year 2017 and agreed that we would like to contribute to this celebration taking place in the Spring of 2018.
In November 2017, Preston member Yvonne, kindly agreed to prepare some designs for two cushions based on the coats of arms of Almelo and Preston, in a contemporary style.
Preston has a history of working with European cities and has been twinned with Almelo in Holland since 1948. Thus, this year sees the 70th year of their twinning.
In December 2016, Preston Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild were invited to consider making something which would be part of an exchange of gifts to celebrate 70 years.
It was discussed with members early in the new year 2017 and agreed that we would like to contribute to this celebration taking place in the Spring of 2018.
In November 2017, Preston member Yvonne, kindly agreed to prepare some designs for two cushions based on the coats of arms of Almelo and Preston, in a contemporary style.
The following month Yvonne returned with the designs she had prepared. One design stood out, because it meant that the cushions could be placed together in two ways, either to complete the Almelo coat of arms in the centre or that of Preston.
The next step was to choose fabric and thread and transfer the designs in reverse onto Vilene and attach them to the back of the chosen fabric, already cut to size. These steps were all completed by Yvonne. Two sevens and two zeros had also been made by Yvonne, by placing a selection of blue fabrics bonded together, with the key dates and Branch name superimposed discreetly.
In January, Yvonne and member Dee met. The design had to be transferred to the front of the cushions using free machining. The fabric would then be free stitched on the machine again, working on the design from the front.
When this step was complete, member Edwina, received the fabric and made up the cushions, with invisible zips, inserting a blue fabric edging, to echo the blue stitching and numerals and to highlight the coats of arms.
Yvonne then couched the 70s onto the cushions edging them with gold.
The cushions were handed over to Arts Society members Pam Potter and Derek Smith at the March meeting of Preston Branch, where we enjoyed a delicious treat from Derek’s kitchen.
The next step was to choose fabric and thread and transfer the designs in reverse onto Vilene and attach them to the back of the chosen fabric, already cut to size. These steps were all completed by Yvonne. Two sevens and two zeros had also been made by Yvonne, by placing a selection of blue fabrics bonded together, with the key dates and Branch name superimposed discreetly.
In January, Yvonne and member Dee met. The design had to be transferred to the front of the cushions using free machining. The fabric would then be free stitched on the machine again, working on the design from the front.
When this step was complete, member Edwina, received the fabric and made up the cushions, with invisible zips, inserting a blue fabric edging, to echo the blue stitching and numerals and to highlight the coats of arms.
Yvonne then couched the 70s onto the cushions edging them with gold.
The cushions were handed over to Arts Society members Pam Potter and Derek Smith at the March meeting of Preston Branch, where we enjoyed a delicious treat from Derek’s kitchen.
The cushions in Almelo
Bridge Over Troubled Water
The idea for the embroidery was suggested to help to raise awareness of the work of ‘The Samaritans’, which is an extremely supportive charity for people in need. The members of the Preston Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild always rise to a challenge and truly work together. The title ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was chosen because that is what Samaritans offer to its callers – a ‘helping hand’ over a ‘rough patch’ in life.
Finding the appropriate picture wasn’t easy. It couldn’t be a ‘stone’ bridge or one upon which you’d be afraid to step, but just the right degree of support when things were looking bleak. We hope that that is what this embroidery illustrates.
The idea for the embroidery was suggested to help to raise awareness of the work of ‘The Samaritans’, which is an extremely supportive charity for people in need. The members of the Preston Branch of the Embroiderers’ Guild always rise to a challenge and truly work together. The title ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ was chosen because that is what Samaritans offer to its callers – a ‘helping hand’ over a ‘rough patch’ in life.
Finding the appropriate picture wasn’t easy. It couldn’t be a ‘stone’ bridge or one upon which you’d be afraid to step, but just the right degree of support when things were looking bleak. We hope that that is what this embroidery illustrates.
The embroidery has been produced by twenty four different members of Preston Embroiderers’ Guild.
The picture was cut into 24 squares and the members were asked to use whatever materials or techniques they wanted to illustrate their square on a 4 inch piece of calico. It is amazing to see the range of different ways and methods of working from fine hand embroidery, felting, appliqué, trapunto work, machine embroidery, fabric dying, the use of dissolvable fabric and bead work.The background of lime green was chosen as this is the colour used by the Samaritans.
The picture was cut into 24 squares and the members were asked to use whatever materials or techniques they wanted to illustrate their square on a 4 inch piece of calico. It is amazing to see the range of different ways and methods of working from fine hand embroidery, felting, appliqué, trapunto work, machine embroidery, fabric dying, the use of dissolvable fabric and bead work.The background of lime green was chosen as this is the colour used by the Samaritans.
At the Preston Branch of Samaritans there are about 85 active ‘Listening Volunteers’ who contribute a minimum of one three hour shift each week, so cumulatively provide approximately 200 hours of support per week to people who are in distress or despair. It costs an average of £4.20 to answer a call and about £48,000 is needed each year to keep the branch open.
During the twelve months between July 2016 and June 2017 Preston Branch answered 34,188 calls on the phone, talked face to face to about 60 callers at the branch and many more during outreach sessions. They also replied to 1407 callers by email and 1551 callers by text. As well as this the prison team provides weekly support in HMP Preston and three times a year train prisoners to become ‘Listeners’ who are then able to provide on-the spot Samaritan support to a group of very vulnerable people.
The embroidery was presented to the Preston Branch of Samaritans on Saturday 16th June and is displayed in their Branch. Several members of the Guild attended the presentation and were treated to tea, coffee and home made cakes.
We hope that it will provide an interesting focal point for Samaritans’ volunteers, either during or at the end of a duty as they sometimes need to gather their thoughts when they have responded to a particularly troubled caller.
During the twelve months between July 2016 and June 2017 Preston Branch answered 34,188 calls on the phone, talked face to face to about 60 callers at the branch and many more during outreach sessions. They also replied to 1407 callers by email and 1551 callers by text. As well as this the prison team provides weekly support in HMP Preston and three times a year train prisoners to become ‘Listeners’ who are then able to provide on-the spot Samaritan support to a group of very vulnerable people.
The embroidery was presented to the Preston Branch of Samaritans on Saturday 16th June and is displayed in their Branch. Several members of the Guild attended the presentation and were treated to tea, coffee and home made cakes.
We hope that it will provide an interesting focal point for Samaritans’ volunteers, either during or at the end of a duty as they sometimes need to gather their thoughts when they have responded to a particularly troubled caller.
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September 2019
Margaret gave an update from the Samaritans regarding our ‘Bridge Over Troubled Water’ project. Many of the Samaritan volunteers had told her how lovely our piece is and after particular difficult phone calls they look up from their desks and enjoy and really appreciate the embroidery. |
‘Through the Window and Beyond the Gate’ - Our 2017 Exhibition
Even traffic jams on the A6/M6 and the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits as the committee, ‘expert artistic’ members and husbands gathered in The Green Room at Barton Grange Garden centre in Brock. As the husbands set to work transporting the exhibition boards and putting up the glass cabinet, the design plan for the exhibition was discussed.
Others began unpacking the exhibits and grouping them into workshop/dayschool and individual items.
By lunchtime we realised what a massive task we had on our hands but once revitalised with lunch the final positioning of boards and the organisation of displays could begin. As we closed the door at 4:00pm we felt we were ready for the next few days- A welcome table advertising the Guild had been set up, the sales table had been organised, alongside a demonstration area and all the work had been hung or displayed with its own label.
Even traffic jams on the A6/M6 and the weather couldn’t dampen the spirits as the committee, ‘expert artistic’ members and husbands gathered in The Green Room at Barton Grange Garden centre in Brock. As the husbands set to work transporting the exhibition boards and putting up the glass cabinet, the design plan for the exhibition was discussed.
Others began unpacking the exhibits and grouping them into workshop/dayschool and individual items.
By lunchtime we realised what a massive task we had on our hands but once revitalised with lunch the final positioning of boards and the organisation of displays could begin. As we closed the door at 4:00pm we felt we were ready for the next few days- A welcome table advertising the Guild had been set up, the sales table had been organised, alongside a demonstration area and all the work had been hung or displayed with its own label.
The exhibition saw a large number of people visit, from embroiderers themselves to friends and family as well as many ‘just interested people’.
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This year we introduced a ‘favourite piece’ competition where visitors were asked to vote for an individual piece. For many this seemed an impossible task- as one lady said, “They are all so good I cannot choose”. But what we did find is that many people went around the exhibition several times and discussed the work together, showing a greater interest than we usually notice.
The final piece chosen by the public was ‘Along the Cami’ by Ann Reading. The comments we received were fabulous: ‘Beautiful work- a joy to see’ ‘Very impressive workmanship- some wonderful exhibits’ ‘Lovely variety of work and skills. Thank you’ ‘Amazing pieces of work. Very creative! Thank you for sharing your work with us!’ ‘Loved all the skills and talents and all the fantastic combinations of colours’ ‘Stunning, such talent’ ‘The attention to detail and for a male stitcher this has been a joy to look at.’ ‘Everything is lovely and I can’t wait to retire and do more’ And many more comments were in the same vein. |
The members demonstrated a variety of techniques from felting, to patchwork and machine embroidery, as well as welcoming the public and chatting about the work.
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All too soon the three days had come to an end and all that was left was to dismantle the exhibition- a much quicker task than setting up.
Now we will have time to reflect on a very successful exhibition and also begin to plan our ideas for the next one in 2019.
Now we will have time to reflect on a very successful exhibition and also begin to plan our ideas for the next one in 2019.
