The Guild of Straw Craftsmen - Events, Exhibitions and Courses in 2012

A dove in marquetry

"Dove"
Worked by John Brooks
from a design by Peter Shelley.

Whilst every effort is made to ensure that the information in this page is correct, the Guild of Straw Craftsmen cannot be held responsible for any errors that occur.
We will try to make sure that we attend the event or fair but unforeseen circumstances may force us to cancel an appearance at short notice.

Events, Exhibitions and Courses

This page contains information about where you can see the Guild in action and learn about straw crafts. Our courses are suitable for both beginners and the more advanced straw worker. Some of the students who came to the beginners’ course just to “have a go” have now become regulars of the advanced courses.

Events run by Guild Members Events run by Guild Members
Chat and Plait Chat and Plait
Beginners and Intermediate Courses Beginners and Intermediate Courses
General Courses General Courses

Events run by Guild Members.

Sunday, 10th June 2012 - The Minnie Lambeth Gathering
The Minnie Lambeth Gathering is named in memory of a Cambridgeshire lady who became interested in com dollies in 1938 when she found a twist of straw, a 'Countryman's favour’, lying on the roadside. Possibly it had been lost the day before from the buttonhole of someone's Sunday jacket. She took it home for the local museum. Her interest in straw developed further over the years as she researched and wrote books. In the mid 60's she invited people to her home to share their work so that they could learn from each other and improve the quality of plaiting.

The Gathering, traditionally held in June, has had few organisers in its time. In the year 2000 Anne Renfrew took on the challenge and the Gathering moved to Knightcote in Warwickshire. It is held in the magnificent Monks Barn.

For those with an interest in straw work, this is a day not to be missed.

This year the theme will be 'The Olympic Games'.

Read about the Corn Dolly poem by Minnie Lambeth.

For further details contact:


Anne Renfrew,
New House Farm,
Knightcote,
Southam
Leamington Spa
Warwickshire CV47 2EQ

or email

some of the work shown at the Minnie Lambeth Gathering

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Chat and Plait

Date Event Details

Third Tuesday of the month 7.30pm to 9.30pm		 Straw craft for everyone Workshop with Amanda Davies. The Fleece Inn
Bretforton,
Evesham,
Worcestershire WR11 7JE

Please email for further details.

A small charge is made for any materials used.

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wind chimes made from seven straw plaits

These wind chimes were made by one of our junior members at one of the Duns Tew workshops.

Courses run by the Guild and Guild members.

Beginners and Intermediate Courses

Date Details Tutor
Saturday,
17th March '12
9:30 for 10:00
Duns Tew Village Hall,
Oxfordshire.

Click for a map of how to get to Duns Tew.

£15.00 for Non-members £7.00 for Members.

 Tutors from the team of:
Peter Shelley,
Florence Cross,
Dorothy Seedhouse,
Anne Renfrew,
Antony Gay
Saturday,
14th July '12
9:30 for 10:00
Duns Tew Village Hall,
Oxfordshire.
Details as March 17th course

 Tutors from the team of:
Peter Shelley,
Florence Cross,
Dorothy Seedhouse,
Anne Renfrew,
Antony Gay
Saturday,
13th October '12
9:30 for 10:00
Duns Tew Village Hall,
Oxfordshire.
Details as March 17th course

 Tutors from the team of:
Peter Shelley,
Florence Cross,
Dorothy Seedhouse,
Anne Renfrew,
Antony Gay
Details
For details of the Duns Tew events, please ring the Oxfordshire Representative of The Guild of Straw Craftsmen telephone 01869 347165.

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a picture of work in progress
General Courses

Date Location Title Tutor
Friday,
27th April '12
to
Sunday,
29th April '12
The Endsleigh Centre
A Weekend of Workshops with Meta Leefkens
(sponsored by Neil Thwaites Bursary)

Meta is a very experienced straw worker from Holland. Straw hats are Meta's speciality and have won many prizes.
Meta's hats are no ordinary hats they are glorious.

Details from

The Endsleigh Centre
481 Beverley Road,
Hull HU6 7LJ

Click for a map of how to get to The Endsleigh Centre.

Meta Leefkens
Sunday,
5th August '12
10:00am - 4:00pm
Arrive at 9.30am for coffee		 Duns Tew Village Hall,
Oxfordshire
Collage of Marquetry with Ruth Wylie

Ruth will lead us through a straw marquetry project.

£20.00 for Non-members £14.00 for Members.

Ruth Wylie
Saturday,
18th August '12
to
Monday,
20th August '12
Duns Tew Village Hall,
Oxfordshire
Plait with Doris Johnson

Doris will inspire young and old, beginner and expert. This is an event not to be missed as she is from Kansas in the U.S.A. and is not able to visit us as much as we would like.

The cost will be £20 per day, £25 per day for non members

Doris Johnson

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Details
For details of the Duns Tew events, please ring the Oxfordshire Representative of The Guild of Straw Craftsmen telephone 01869 347165.

plaiting a seven straw plait with other plaits