Dear Arachne sisters and brothers, I can't begin to tell you what a wonderful day I've had today, the hottest day of the year so far with temperatures around about 30C ( 83/84F) We were inside a 13th century church, cool and peaceful.
Poole Bobbin Lace Circle were invited to put on a small display and demonstrate in the tiny North Dorset village of Farnham, where lots of people have opened their gardens to the public, and nine very talented ladies have decorated the church with fabulous flower arrangements on a theme of blue and white. The church dates from the 13th century - the earliest known evidence gives the name of the rector in 1291. It has been enlarged and had alterations over the ensuing centuries but still retains the essential characteristics of a typical rural English parish church. My mother (age 86) couldn't wait to go. She grew up in the area and actually went to school there in the 1920s. There is no school now; it closed many years ago; no shop; no post office; the only amenities are the church and hotel, which serves excellent food. The villagers decided to stage this event in order to raise funds for the church and other local charities. The 15th century tower is clad with scaffolding as it has become a tad dangerous; the fancy carved finials etc are desperately in need of repair and restoration. We met lots of people from all over the world. One lady from Canada badly wanted to buy some bobbins for a lace making friend. What could I do? Take two off the pillows that I had with me. One pillow is suitable for "Have a Go" and has the usual spangled bobbins, and on the other I was using antique Malmesbury "sticks" - straight bobbins about 4-5 inches long with a neck that tapers into the shank , no tail end and no spangles. (see Springett's Success to the Lace Pillow P77) I'm working a parchment pricking which I bought several years ago along with numerous Malmesbury bobbins at our local antiques and bric a brac market. I took lots of photos of the flowers, and several of the church and village. The flower festival and gardens are open tomorrow as well, but unfortunately I have to prepare for work on Monday! Two other lacemaking friends are going instead of me. Best wished to all who've bothered to read all the way through this, Liz Pass (in Poole, Dorset, England) -- No virus found in this outgoing message. Checked by AVG Free Edition. Version: 7.1.394 / Virus Database: 268.9.8/380 - Release Date: 30/06/2006 - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
