This was a really enjoyable and sociable evening. We began with the AGM which will be formally minuted by Ruth our secretary in due course. The officers were re-elected and we said a sad goodbye to Brenda in her committee role, but not in her membership. She has decided to stand down for a well deserved break but we are very grateful for her hard work and creativity as a committee member.
During the evening we also enjoyed an interactive game of bingo, allowing us to talk with other members, including people we didn’t know so well and encouraging members to have welcoming conversation, with at least one visitor. We were reminded that BETA has been independent now for 5 years and that we are thriving with our finances stable and a growing membership.
We also all enjoyed treats contributed by committee members
We held our very successful summer competition, with a different structure this time, asking for pieces from all who wanted to contribute and with a separate category for first time entrants. In both groups we received beautiful and skillful entries demonstrating a range of approaches and creative understanding of the title.
Everyone who entered the competition is a winner for doing so, allowing us all to enjoy and learn from what they have created. Some of the entries are pictured below. Apologies for any less that clear images or any inadvertently missed
We also had two winners Angela with the Tide Went Out, who won the summer cup and Susan in the first time entry group with Orca off Vancouver Island. Both beautiful.
We also had a range of different displays for members to enjoy, including travelling books, returning to their owners tonight. Travelling books are coming back in the September. They are a great encouragement allowing a creative space for and the ‘up close’ enjoy ment of each other’s work.
We also shared ‘stash busting ideas’ and pieces completed during activity evenings and as a result of attendance at workshops and smaller activity sessions this year. Again thanks fo the contribution of our members who ran small classes and activity sessions.
Our weekly raffle was pink with very effective bags completed by Rowan and Deborah and contents provided by members on a pink theme.
We have a break over August, back together in September. We have anew title for our December competition voted on by all the members present. The choices were ‘ in Flight’ ‘Its only naturally’, but by a large majority we chose the title ‘Page 24.’ Entries should be inspired by page 4 in a specific book chosen by the individual member. Any kind of book can be used. The competition will be held at the December meeting. Something to think about / work on during the summer break perhaps
The September meeting raffle colour will be purple, as always contributions will be gratefully received.
Birmingham Embroidery and Textile Art 