Extraordinary embroidery

Abbotsbury

STITCHING at its most luxurious and most extraordinary was on show at Strangways Hall recently.

The Dorset Group of the West Country Embroiderers comprises groups from Bridport, New Forest, Poole, Purbeck, Sherborne, Wareham, Wimborne and Weymouth.

On hand were embroiderers from the various groups, who were able to answer questions about the articles and the clubs themselves.

The ladies reported that they were pleased to have had so many enthusiastic visitors.

Each group had embroidered articles specific to them.

I particularly liked the scissor scabbards made by the Wareham ladies (and gentlemen?).

Each scabbard was embroidered with a sea horse.

The techniques used for each exhibition piece ranged from the quite intricate to simple embroidery.

There was an eclectic assortment of items on show from boxes, wall hangings, jewellery, bags and tiny shoes and many other things, to the competition pieces, which were Vessels of every description imaginable.

Visitors to the exhibition were asked to choose their favourite Vessel from those displayed on the competition table.

I hope that the beautiful Scottish Thistle that I chose won the Frank Read Trophy!

The Embroiderers hold an exhibition each year and I for one look forward to next years’.

If you would like to join a group or just visit one go to their website www.westcountryembroiderers.co.uk for more details.

LESLEY Chandler from the Dorset Partnership for Older People’s Project (POPP) has just updated me of their proposed Neighbourcar Scheme for our Chesil Bank villages.

Her email tells me that the number one issue relating to older people in this area is the lack of transport to get to health related appointments, exercise, social and food related clubs, which connect people with their communities.

POPP works with such communities to develop POPP Neighbourcar or community transport throughout the county.

We, here in this village of Abbotsbury already have a voluntary hospital car scheme driven by a few volunteers, which has been in place for many years.

So, POPP are holding a public consultation event with the aim of gauging interest in the Chesil Bank villages, explain volunteer opportunities and to give the public a chance to ask questions.

This will be held on Monday, September 20 at 6.30pm in Strangways Hall, Abbotsbury.

I will remind readers of this event nearer the date.