About us

Bedfordshire Guild of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers

The Guild is a small, friendly group of textile lovers, whose expertise ranges from novice to professional.  Our aim is to promote craftsmanship in spinning, weaving and dyeing. We are affiliated to The Association of Weavers Spinners & Dyers.

We meet twice a month and have been doing so since the Guild was founded in October 1978, after Ann Holloman advertised in the Women's Institute newsletter and local newspapers. The Guild began with a meeting held in the WI House, Bedford,  to establish its feasibility, arranged by Ann and attended by Jenny Dean, Poppy Arnold, Judy Goodman, and three others.

The first few meetings were held at Poppy’s home, then as membership grew, the Guild met for a while at The Shack, Pulloxhill, then Quinville House, the home of Judy Goodman. Silsoe College was the next meeting place just before moving to Harlington Parish Hall, where meetings have been held until recently.

The first register of meetings shows 18 members. Over the years membership has ranged from as low as 8 up to 42 in 1984 when there was a doubling of membership, perhaps as a result of the combination of library demonstrations and the BBC programme The Good Life.

The Guild has continued to thrive, with new members finding us each year. We meet twice monthly as well as getting out and about in our local community. Our new home is at Flitwick Village Hall. 2018 will be our 40th anniversary, so watch this space to see upcoming celebrations.