8 September 2022
We were unprepared for the death of The Queen, as was most of the country. We saw the photograph of her taken at Balmoral forty-eight hours previously - the tartan, the amazing smile - and then suddenly she was gone. We knew it was likely, but it was so fast, with no warning. We felt we had lost someone we knew. But we didn’t really know her, and our thoughts are with her family and those who were her friends.
We were unprepared for the death of The Queen, as was most of the country. We saw the photograph of her taken at Balmoral forty-eight hours previously - the tartan, the amazing smile - and then suddenly she was gone. We knew it was likely, but it was so fast, with no warning. We felt we had lost someone we knew. But we didn’t really know her, and our thoughts are with her family and those who were her friends.
Was it only a few months ago, in the bloom of summer, that we celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, that of the first British monarch to reign for 70 years? She came to the throne in 1952 and was crowned in Westminster Abbey in 1953. That Coronation was an astonishing gathering of World and Commonwealth leaders, and a glittering procession of hierarchy, the like of which we will probably never see again.
Project Factory produced a Platinum Jubilee tribute to Her Majesty from the people of Wells, and it was wonderful to hear the memories of all the local people who met her during her reign. She touched so many hearts. We will miss her.
Making Space Wells
After the success of the Sew Buntiful Wells project and the craft courses run by Project Factory CIC in 2019, some of those involved took the initiative to form a new craft collective where we can all share our skills, learn new ones and take part in collaborative community craft events.
After the success of the Sew Buntiful Wells project and the craft courses run by Project Factory CIC in 2019, some of those involved took the initiative to form a new craft collective where we can all share our skills, learn new ones and take part in collaborative community craft events.
Now, craft meetings run on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, one between 10am and 12pm at St Thomas' Church Hall and the other between 7pm and 9pm at the Elim Connect Centre.
All of the meetings are very friendly and members familiar and new are welcomed
every week.
There's generally a theme but everyone can also do their own thing and bring a project they've been working on at home.
Making Space Wells feel what's important is there being an opportunity
for people to gather together, make connections and enjoy crafting, chat and a cuppa!
Although they've not been going for long meetings have already featured knitting, crochet, making felt pictures, making
natural wreaths, chalk painting, willow work, bunting, mindful art, sushiko embroidery, boro, weaving, maintaining your sewing machine, macrame... and more!
Making Space Wells is a not for profit collective and want meetings to be as inclusive as possible so they try to keep costs to a minimum. Donations towards room hire and refreshments are cheerfully received but if money is tight they'd rather that didn’t out anyone off coming along - loving crafts is far more important!
Claire Axten, one of the organisers said "It is wonderful to meet people, and to witness their delight once they have made something, using a new skill. Another positive aspect is having time to listen, to laugh, to comfort. We are all learning together and it is great!"
‘We believe craft skills and knowledge enrich and uplift us as individuals and can change our world for the better’
That’s what The Crafts Council UK says - and the team at MSW completely agree.
So if you love crafts....or think you might love crafts...pop along and join them.
contact
WEBSITE
makingspacewells.mailchimpsites.com
makingspacewells@gmail.com
makingspacewells
makingspacewells
Heritage Wells
Visitors to Wells are often unaware of how many medieval sites there are in close proximity to one another. This brochure, with a map, is intended to ensure they miss nothing.
As part of the fundraising initiative for the wider Gormley Project, Project Factory has produced a 32pp visitor brochure for Wells Heritage Partners. It is titled Heritage Wells: An Introduction to the Historic Sites of Wells with a Foreword by Annie Maw, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Somerset. It will be on sale for £4.50 at the heritage sites and will benefit the community projects launched by the Gormley Project.
Wells Heritage Partners was created as a formal entity in September 2020, and is a partnership between Wells Cathedral, The Bishop’s Palace, the Wells & Mendip Museum and the Bishop’s Barn.
Visitors to Wells are often unaware of how many medieval sites there are in close proximity to one another. This brochure, with a map, is intended to ensure they miss nothing.
The brochure is photography led, with some beautiful photography from Nick James LRPS of D H James Photographic Supplies, and text written by representatives of all the heritage sites. This is the first time such a collaboration has taken place and includes other important entities such as St Cuthbert’s Church and the Mendip Hospital Cemetery.
