Jean in Newbury wrote: <Now inside Ann has written and article called "Whither Lace?", an article well worth reading, I agree with all that Ann has to say. It would be nice to read what other lacemakers from the UK have to say.>
I agree with everything in the article too. I go to a lace class each Monday afternoon. We're a group of 13, ranging from one only just starting her bandage to another with 16 years experience and including one lady of 70 with cerebral palsey who has a helper with her to put her pins in. As much as learning, it's a social gathering. Our teacher has just told us that she's having to give up teaching, so we have 9 more weeks with her. We don't know if the adult education authority will look for a replacement because of directives from "the powers that be" on what can and can't be taught and funded. When the 9 weeks are up, we're going to carry on as a self-help group, hiring the room ourselves. We'll have to see how that works out. Seven years ago, when I retired, moved to Poole and started lacemaking, there was a choice of at least four education authority classes, all with in excess of 15 students as well as several private groups. Now there are no local education authority classes - I have to go to the next town on Monday's - but private ones still exist. The fact that three ladies wanted to start lacemaking this year, shows that there's still interest, but it's not supported by education auithorities. Why? Painting, ballroom dancing, yoga, photography, dressmaking, upholstery and other so-called "recreational", "non-academic", "non-vocational" "hobby" or any other term they use for subjects which don't immediately suggest a job are still supported, but lace making isn't. I don't understand why. Perhaps they're frightened, it being the only thing I've heard people say "That looks too complicated - I could never do that." about. I wouldn't be surprised to see card making, scrap booking and rubber stamping in the next term's class list though. Our Post Office won't issue a set of lace stamps "There wouldn't be many people interested, but everyone knows cats (trains, buses, flowers or whatever the current 'wallpaper' stamps issue is)." The Guiness Book of Records won't recognise a world record because it's too specialised - eating the most baked beans isn't specialised, just stupid, but that qualifies. Don't know what the answer is, but it's very depressing. Jean in Poole - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
