Easter is almost upon us. Just remember that all that chocolate can be worked off by spinning at double speed for 30 minutes!!
We had a very successful workshop in February – Indigo Isabel taught us some wonderful things to do with this dye. Please have a look at the pictures on the blog site to see the evidence.
Debbs has done a wonderful job on keeping that updated. Who would imagine that all this internet stuff was started off just a few months ago by Sian! Just look at how far we have all progressed. Well done everyone!
Those if us involved in the Woolbox project have been working hard to find sources of funding for that and for the development of the Guild. Gill, Debbs and myself attended the Funding Fair in Carmarthen last week. There was a lot of interest in our ideas and what the Guild was trying to promote as part of its aims and objectives. Classes are at the heart of our Guild and we seem to be almost the only Guild, nationwide, who offer them. They contribute such a wealth of knowledge, experience and inspiration - not only from Norma, but also from other class members- on a weekly basis. They provide an ongoing base for those wanting to experience the joys of our crafts without having to, initially, purchase expensive equipment.
These classes are expensive to provide, therefore funding is required to ensure their future.
At the funding fair, we learned a few hard facts which I need to share with you.
The buzz word within charities and not for profit organisations at the moment is “sustainable funding”. This means that we have to move away from depending on grants and get our income from more diverse sources. We also have to PLAN, long term, for our income generating activities. One very useful session at this fair, was delivered by Sara Carroll and Nicola Llewelyn from the WCVA. This outlined 3 steps to sustainability.
Income diversification – reducing dependency on a single source of income, being aware of funds available, exploring those funds and accessing the skills in the group to apply for those funds.
Organisational skills – identifying the skills in the group, not only the fundraising skill, but those skills which are at the heart of the group – the spinners, weavers and dyers. Everyone who can, develops a shared approach to sustainable funding, but we all work as a team to keep the Guild going.
Effective planning – this really means that as a group, we need a business plan to manage the income generation.
A lot to take on board folks, but we came away from that fair thinking that we were very lucky as a Guild to have the classes and the skills that we already have, but that we need to protect and nurture that core feeling – the love of yarn in all its glorious forms. To achieve this we will need to ask our members about their skills and what they feel they can give to the group. Some of us give our knowledge skills and experience of spinning, weaving and dyeing. Some of us have some business skills which can be given to the group. Together, as a team I am sure we can move forward. If anyone feels they can help with the latter, I would love to hear from you!
On to lots of other matters!
The Autumn exhibition, which was planned for the Waterfront Museum, has had to be moved. Liz, Gill and I went to the Swansea Grand Theatre to evaluate their exhibition space. We have booked the White Room from 22nd September until the 4th October. All items for this exhibition MUST be with the Guild by the end of August and all must be clearly labelled as regards fibre content (Trading Standards), washing instructions, who made it and how, and either marked not for sale, or with a price. We can access the Grand’s card machine but note that they will take 20% commission, so please reflect this in your prices. We will be able to lock away our wheels etc at the end of each day and I hope we can provide opportunities for our visitors to have a go at spinning and weaving.
Future workshops:-
March – as those of you who put your names down to attend this workshop, you will know that it has had to be postponed until 29th March. I did stand outside the door until 10.20 just in case anyone turned up, but the Guild grapevine seemed to work just fine! Any names for this new date to me/Eirean asap so that accurate figures can be given to Lois.
April 19th Silk dyeing – what to bring will be on the blog site or on the class notice board.
May 24th Show and tell. We will also use this day to have a “shop” for our items which we want to pass on to other members.
Wonderwool Wales 26th and 27th April at the Royal Welsh Showground. Hilary Miller is asking for volunteers to man the Association stand. Any one who can, please contact Hilary on 01248 713160 (evenings and weekends)
Thinking about the Navy Days - 24 – 26 May – I came across an article about knitting hats for The Sailor’s Society. Have a look at the website – www.sailors-society.org Do we want to support this as a group?
Anybody interested in another day at Tesco’s??
Happy Easter to one and all
Nell
01792 830106 mobile 07977 538086
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