Category: Events

Jo Henshaw had come along to our Sit and Sew evening to invite our interest in participating in the ‘The Herefordshire Calico Dress’ project.  She explained this was a new creative community project by Herefordshire Women’s Equality Group, where local women and anyone who supported women’s equality could work together to create a life-sized gown.    Jo explained that The Calico Dress was a simplified ‘sister’ version of the Red Dress by Kirstie Macleod. Whilst answering our questions she showed us photographs of how groups had worked together and produced some very attractive gowns.  The idea was for groups to embroider or possibly add patchwork to calico panels that could subsequently be formed into a full size gown.  She ended by saying she hoped Leominster Quilters would be interested in participating in the project. 

Members then took the opportunity to look at the mountain of fabric that had belonged to our late member Maggie, which Kate had once again brought along.  Kate explained that the donations for the fabric members purchased would go to charity.

Thanks once again went to Sally and Jane for serving tea and coffee.

Eighteen members attended the AGM and apologies were received from 11 members. 

With no matters arising, the Minutes of the previous AGM were therefore approved. The Chairman reported on the events of the past year and gave a brief outline of forthcoming events.  Accounts had been prepared by the Treasurer and were distributed for information.  It was noted the balance as at 31 December 2025 was £4,993.33. 

As all members of the incumbent committee were eligible and happy to be re-elected Maureen Bilbao was elected Chairman; Jocey Sankey was elected Vice Chairman, Deborah Cottam was elected Treasurer; Lisa Forrest was elected Programme Secretary and Sally Sansom was elected Publicity Secretary.   Alyson Wells, Edie Bonham and Susie Curtis were co-opted to the Committee in order to help with the forthcoming Exhibition. that was sue to be held in August. It was agreed that a donation to charity should be considered after the Exhibition.  Concern was expressed at the condition of some of the metal Exhibition stands that may need to be replaced.  In order to identify the location of equipment, ready for the Exhibition, an email would be sent to members in order to find out where everything was. There being no further business the AGM closed at 7.50 pm. We then enjoyed a Show and Tell of some of the items on which members had been working.

Although it was a very wet miserable evening 11 members braved the elements to attend the first Sit and Sew evening meeting of the year.  It was a pleasant evening with members working on their individual projects, and looking at some of the quilts that members were working on for the upcoming Exhibition, Members had the opportunity to chat with each other and catch up on news.

Sit and Sew Saturday

A bright sunny day encouraged members to brave the cold for the first meeting of the New Year.  As members arrived, the hall soon buzzed with chatter and laughter whilst we all worked on our individual projects and enjoyed some lovely cakes and biscuits that had been brought for us to share.  We also took the opportunity to look at a selection of Maggie’s fabric that Kate had kindly brought along.  At the end of a very pleasant and productive day members went home happily laden with quilts to finish or a collection of Maggie’s fabrics to add to their stash. 

The last meeting for the year was the Annual Christmas Party, when 20 members arrived promptly, armed with delicious plates of food to share.  Tables were set up and arranged quickly then everyone was treated to a glass of warming mulled wine or soft drink.  The evening’s festivities started with the Charity Game, kindly organised by Carol.  With much laughter some very interesting presents were swapped around the group.  As members chatted and enjoyed the refreshments a selection of clever and attractive Christmas Cards, made by members, were exchanged.  The Fabric Challenge attracted a varied selection of items for the 1p vote, which was won by Carol for her book cushion.  As the evening came to a close we said farewell to one of our members, Deborah Jarman, who was moving away from the area.  It was suggested that at some time in the future we might be able to twin with the new quilting group she had identified.  Everyone agreed they had enjoyed the evening and all that was left for us to do was tidy up before we went home.  Thanks go to everyone who helped with the washing up and stacking the tables and chairs away.