W.I. Newsletter April 2025

Our speaker at this month’s meeting was Sharon Kearley, a textile artist, who is so passionate and enthusiastic it was a joy to listen to her.  She has both a BA(Hons) in Textiles Design and an MA in Textiles   She has also had a career in fashion, textiles and costume in the world of film, theatre and television, not just nationally, but also internationally. 

However, she has returned to her home village of Shipton Bellinger and is now working and teaching.  She confessed that when she was growing up, she couldn’t wait to leave.  She hated Andover!  However, as a single parent she has returned to her roots and values all the connections she has made over the years.  Her talk was called Connecting Threads, and she passed around examples of her work experimenting with different materials and effects, she also explained more about how these came about with the aid of slides.  For her Thesis she wanted to explore lines and paths.  She visited Devizes Museum where she was able to look at various historical maps featuring three important ancient sites, Stonehenge, Avebury and Woodhenge.  Lines don’t have to be straight or go anywhere.  Walking is also important to her.  When we walk long worn paths, we are aware we are following in the footsteps of others, even if we can no longer see them.

Connecting Threads wasn’t just about her work; it was about her life.  She is rediscovering childhood friendships via her daughter’s friends’ parents.  She is physically closer to her parents, as the caring roles between them are being realigned.  She is now appreciative of all that this part of Hampshire has to offer.  Sharon has found the courage, with her mother’s encouragement, to set up her own Studio at The Project Workshops in Quarley, where she can now display all the looms she has managed to acquire over the years.  This venue also has family connections, her Grandfather worked with shire horses on the site.  Project Workshops with be open as part of Hampshire Open Studios from 16 – 25 August 2025.   There is a website for HOS so do check for further detailed information. 

Sharon was keen to share her belief that Art doesn’t have to have a purpose or an end product, it can just be about enjoying the process.

Talking of walking in the footsteps of others.  This month four members of our Walking Group ambled along a 2.5 mile circular walking trail, following country lanes, streets and pavements as they explored Overton as it would have been in Jane Austen’s time.  It really was delightful.  This was followed by a delicious lunch and a visit to one of the village’s charity shops.

It is our Annual Meeting on 29 May and, as has become a tradition, there will be fish and chip supper, followed by ice cream.  If you wish to partake, please make sure you have paid our Treasurer and bring your receipt to the Meeting!  There will also be an opportunity to discuss the Resolution “Bystanders can be Lifesavers” which will be debated at the NWFI AGM on June 4^th.  Our meeting will be the village hall and starts at 7.30 p.m.

DIARY DATES: