Bring your own needlework. Cross stitch, knitting, embroidery crochet or anything else.

There is a chance to share and learn new skills.

Two members of the sewing group, Jane C and Ann F, contributed winning squares to the u3a's 40th anniversary quilt. The unveiling ceremony was in Manchester during June. Below is Jane's report:

u3a Quilt Unveiling

The u3a QuiltHaving had our entries accepted, Ann Francis and I attended the unveiling of the Quilt u3a has organised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of u3a. It was held at the Whitworth Art Gallery in Manchester on 17th June. We were welcomed by Michaela Moody National Vice Chairman and organiser of the quilt competition. Ruth Smith then told us about her involvement in the competition and how she stitched the central medallion. This was followed by some Sheila Wignall, Wigan u3a, Sylvia James Potters Bar u3a and Russell Ramsden telling us about their entries and how they interpreted the theme "positive ageing"The quilt was then revealed by Neil Stevenson, Trustee, North West to loud acclaim. It is beautiful. Photos don't really do it justice. Once we had quietened down Sylvia Grayson explained how she had arranged the blocks and machine quilted it. Her quilting is perfect. It adds to the quilt without detracting from the squares. Ann French Head of Conservation told us about her work and how the quilt had to be frozen before if could be taken into the gallery to protect the exhibits in their care. We were then able to have a closer look at the quilt and take photos before having a break for lunch. After lunch Maggy Simms told us about Manchester u3as shared learning project 'Cottonopolis". This was similar to the projects that Thames Valley Network organised before lockdown. The day finished with a wander round the Whitworth. I don't think I really get the modern art that the Whitworth specialises in.

it was lovely to be able to chat with fellow entrants. I would have liked more time for this. We had a chat with Susy Berry who some of you will know through TVN. She was there to collect the quilt after the event and transport it to Witney. Ann and I spread the word about the quilt coming to Witney and what a lovely place it is to visit. Amazingly there was no sign of rain in Manchester for 2 days.

The quilt will be exhibited in the Blanket Hall, Witney on 8th August. Numbers are limited for this event due to the room size. However it will remain upstairs at the Hall for at least 12 months and will be free to see whenever the Hall is open. Do go and have a look. It's very impressive.

Background to the Quilt

When it was announced that u3a was holding a competition to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the founding of the movement, it coincided with our Needlework groups resuming their monthly meetings. This was the perfect project to get us going again. We do all types of needlework but hadn't done any quilting for a while. Some of you will have seen the beautiful quilt we made to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the founding of Witney u3a. As leader I had no doubt we would be able to produce some super pieces. The chosen theme of Positive Ageing though our strap line "Learn Live, Laugh" was quite daunting but we managed to produce 6 squares. I'm delighted that three of them have been chosen, the Scrabble Board, the Tree of Knowledge and the Books one. I'm pleased we have managed to get Witney onto 2 of them. Everyone who sees the quilt will know we played a part in it and true to the ethos of u3a we taught ourselves some new skills making them. The quilt will be revealed in June in Manchester and then……it will come to Witney Blanket Hall in August. It will remain in the Great Room for the public to view for the following 12 months! Many congratulations again to our Sewing Group.

If this has inspired you to have a go at Needlework we have room for new members.

Visit by National u3a Chair

The National Chair of the u3a, Liz Thackray, visited Witney on 21st July to view the Quilt. Follow the link u3a Quilt - Visit by u3a Chair for more details

We have also been invited to take part in Cogges Museum's tapestry project that will feature the history of Cogges Farm so we have plenty to keep us busy.

If you would like to join us and are a paid up member of Witney u3a, please contact the Needlework 1 Group Leader .