What a treat we had during the month of March or, to be more precise, two treats!

There was our usual monthly meeting when we had a visit from Catrinel Matthews who gave us a talk about her journey into jewellery design entitled “Create With Colour”.   Catrinel explained that she had no interest in jewellery until she went to Zanzibar and witnessed a display of such colourful items that on her return she decided to research where she might buy some pieces.   However, she came across so many websites directing her to make her own jewellery that she decided to have a go.

Catrinel discovered that only a few simple tools were needed to get started.  There was an abundance of different materials she could use in a variety of colours, with the US websites offering more choice than the UK ones.   Her adventure into the world of jewellery showed her that design can be almost anything you want it to be.  Her presentation, with visual aids, included an explanation of the various types of stones that could be used in a myriad of colours.   We were shown a variety of lovely necklaces and bracelets she had made and were at liberty to try these on, which a majority of our ladies did.  A very enjoyable evening was had by all and several ladies were heard to comment that they would be sure to tell their husbands about one or two pieces which had particularly caught their eye!

And then, a few days later a Fashion Show, by the students of Kingdown School.   About 30 young ladies, led by their tutor Jo Dyson, gave a splendid exhibition of their work in the Textiles Dept.    The girls were aged between 13 and 17 and the audience of about 90, enjoyed an excellent display of their skills as they modelled trousers, shorts, dresses and handbags which they had designed and made themselves.   There was much talent on show – look out for young designers from Wiltshire over the next few years!    The evening was rounded off with a glass of wine together with cheese and biscuits.   A very relaxing way to spend a Friday evening.

Next month our speaker will be Christine Johnson and her talk is entitled ‘Your Garden – a Paradise for Birds?’.  Visitors are very welcome at this, and all of our meetings.