Three Cheers for Oxford Branch

Oxford Branch has much to shout about this spring!

First, our very own Amanda Smith and Alex Messenger were awarded this year’s Executive Award. I can think of many, many reasons why they deserve this award but here, in his own words, is why Terry Murphy thinks so.

In recognition of their long standing service over many years to Oxford Branch as committee members in nearly all the roles at one time or another and their contributions to the Guild at 'Art in Action', the 'Big Stitch' at the Ashmolean Museum and developing the 'Travelling Books' concept, now shared with all branches of the Guild.

One branch member commented that they represent the lively, young faces of their branch.

Alex is known for dastardly quizzes. Amanda has been a good link between our branch and the region. They are best summed up by the saying ... 'If you want something done, ask a busy person' or, in this case, Amanda and Alex.

Amanda speaking about Alex ...

She is probably one of the most exhausting people I know and, at the same time, the most exhilarating person I have ever worked with; just so many ideas. I have to rein her in sometimes but her enthusiasm is infectious.

Alex speaking about Amanda ...

She is passionate about textiles of all sorts and strongly believes that stitching has a place in society and should be passed on to future generations. She supports in many ways, not only by giving her time and business expertise; but also with her thoughts and ideas to fellow stitchers who are looking for help and/or inspiration. She's known at our workshops as the "fastest stitcher in the west".

Amanda and Alex could not attend the AGM where Terry delivered his citation so he made a special journey Oxford to present their award at our April branch meeting.

Congratulations, Amanda and Alex, we are delighted that all you do for our branch and for the Guild has been recognized and rewarded.

Congratulations also to Oxford Young Embroiderers who won The Group Entry of Individual Pieces in 2014 De Denne Competition. Each year individuals and groups of young embroiderers and textile students enter this competition named after Lynette de Denne, the founder of the Young Embroiderers’ section of the Embroiderers’ Guild. The competition encourages entries from beginners, on interpretation skills and originality. The theme for 2014 was "Tree Rhythms". Well done, to all of our young embroiderers on this magnificent achievement.

And, last but not least, congratulations to Wendy Hughes who was Commended in the category of the Beryl Dean award for hand stitching in The Members' Challenge. The theme for 2014 Members' Challenge was also "Tree Rhythms".