Next Meeting: Saturday 12 September 2026 from 12 noon until 4.00pm at New Longton Village Hall

The next meeting of Preston Lacemakers takes place on Saturday, 12 September at New Longton Village Hall, Boundary Close, Off Chapel Lane, New Longton, PRESTON, PR4 4BD from 12 noon until 4.00pm.  We normally hold our meetings on the first Saturday of each month, except January, but this meeting has been postponed as the hall was used for the New Longton Flower Show on the first Saturday of September. 

Members use a variety of techniques to work their lace, including bobbin lace, needle lace, knitted lace, crochet and tatting.  Why not pop in and visit us if you are interested.

Lace and Demonstration at New Longton Flower Show

Many thanks to Andrea, Mary, Paulene, Margaret and Christine for volunteering to display and demonstrate lace at New Longton Flower Show on Saturday, 5 September 2026 at New Longton Village Hall.  Many thanks too for all the very interesting people who visited the display and to those brave enough to have a go at making lace themselves.  Photos from the event are posted in the Flickr account which can be accessed via the 'Preston Lacemakers Photograph' under the heading Website Links on the side of the BlogSpot page.

Next Meeting: Saturday, 7 February 2026

Thanks you to all those members who were able to attend the December meeting, it was great to see you all.  The drinks and nibbles were delicious and it was a real pleasure to see the display of members' work.

Our next meeting takes place on 7 February 2026, as we don't meet in January.   As usual, we shall be at New Longton Village Hall from 12 noon until 4.00 pm.  This will be the last meeting before our 40th birthday on 7 March 2026.  It would be great to see past members of Preston Lacemakers to help us celebrate at our party on 7 March 2026, so please contact Christine or email prestonlacemakers@yahoo.com if you would like to come along.

Next Meeting: Saturday, 1 November 2025 at 12 noon at New Longton Village Hall, PR4 4BD

The next meeting of Preston Lacemakers takes place on Saturday, 1 November at New Longton Village Hall, Boundary Close, Off Chapel Lane, New Longton, PRESTON, PR4 4BD.  You can find us on Google Maps by clicking here.  We shall be discussing our group project for our 40th anniversary next year, discuss options for a meal together to celebrate and possibly a visit to Northlight in Briarfield.

Members use a variety of techniques to work their lace, including bobbin lace, needle lace, knitted lace, crochet and tatting.  Why not pop in and visit us if you are interested.

Next Meeting 2 December 2023

Many thanks to Katharine for an excellent cross spangling workshop on Saturday, 4 November - an enjoyable and productive afternoon.

Our next meeting takes place on Saturday, 2 December at 12 noon until 4.00pm at New Longton Village Hall.  Some members will be bringing treats to nibble, some will bring quizzes and some will bring games or other activities, so there should be plenty for the group to choose from on the day.  We shall also have a secret Santa for anyone who wishes to participate - bring a wrapped gift to the value of £5.00.

Next Meeting1 April 2023 EGM

Many thanks to all our members who joined us for the AGM today and made such valuable contributions to the way forward for the group.  An EGM will be held next month, 1 April, when the revised constitution will be considered, discussed and, hopefully, agreed.  Look out for the formal invitation to the meeting with the draft constitution for you to consider in advance.

Special thanks to the Chair, Andrea, and Secretary, Katharine, who have led the group so well during such a demanding period.  Everyone appreciates all your hard work and your commitment.

Next Meeting: Needle Felting with Lisa Moore on Saturday, 4 February

Our next meeting will take place on Saturday, 4 February when Lisa Moore will be running a workshop on Needle Felting.  Those attending have already chosen the pattern they will make.  Last time, Lisa brought extra packs for anyone who decided to have a go on the day, so it might not be too late to join us if you are interested.  The AGM will take place on Saturday, 4 March at 1.00 pm.  Visitors are invited to join us for both meetings, but will not be able to vote at the AGM.  If any members have not yet received the agenda and minutes of the last AGM, please contact the secretary.

Next Meeting: Saturday 3 December

The next meeting of Preston Lacemakers will be held on Saturday, 3 December.  Cake, mince pies and nibbles will be provided.  It has been decided that members will bring their own lunches, as a number have specific dietary requirements that make it difficult to participate in a Jacob's Join.

If you would like to join in the secret Santa, remember to bring a wrapped gift, valued at about £5.  There will also be a raffle and more raffle prizes would be welcomed.

At 13:30, we shall be joined by Betsy the Housekeeper, who will give a lively and entertaining talk, in character, about her days as housekeeper at the big house.

We look forward to seeing you in December and wish you happy lacemaking until then. 

Next Meeting: Saturday 4 November 2022 Make lace and chat

Many thanks to Dianne for a wonderful slide show of the 2016 Lace Guild Exhibition.  Everyone thoroughly enjoyed it and we are hoping to arrange a similar event next year with Dianne.

Our next meeting of Preston Lacemakers will take place on Saturday 4 November 2022.  This will be an opportunity to make lace and chat.  Remember to bring examples of your work to show on the display table.  It is lovely to see how talented our members are and to be inspired by their ideas.  Non-members are welcome to join us for a small visitors fee, which includes hot drinks and biscuits.

Next Meeting: Saturday 1 October Talk with photographs by Dianne Derbyshire: Lace Guild Exhibition Lace

Our next meeting takes place at New Longton Village Hall on Saturday 1 October 2022.  Dianne Derbyshire will give a talk, with photographs, on the exhibits to the Lace Guild Exhibitions.  The meeting commences at 12 noon and Dianne will start her talk at about 1.30.  Non-members are welcome to attend.  A small visitors fee is charged, which includes hot drinks and biscuits.

Next Meeting: Saturday 13 August 2022 PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF DATE

Our next meeting is at 12 noon at New Longton Village Hall on Saturday, 13 August 2022.  Please note the change of date.  This will be a meeting for us to make lace and chat.  Remember that we shall also have the 'All our own work' display.  Please bring any items of your work, lace and other crafts, to put on the display table.

If you are interested in lace but not a member, why not come along to the meeting and see what we do.  Members normally bring their own lunch and a cup for a hot drink, though spare cups are available.  Hot drinks and biscuits are provided and there are shops locally if you need to buy lunch. You will be made very welcome.

Next Meeting: Saturday 2 July 2022 from 12 noon to 4.00 pm.

Thank you to those members who were able to join us at the last meeting for our Platinum Jubilee Celebration.  Katharine brought cakes, prosecco and soft drinks, all of which were delicious.

Our next meeting takes place on Saturday, 2 July at 12 noon at New Longton Village Hall.  This will be an opportunity to make lace and purchase items from the sales table.  We now have a display table each month where members can display examples of their work.  It is lovely to have your own work admired and appreciated and it gives other members ideas and inspiration.

Non-members are welcome to come along for a small charge, which includes drinks and biscuits.

Please note that the usual key holders will not be able to attend this meeting.  Please do not arrive before 12 noon to give the key holders time to prepare for the meeting.

Next Meeting: Saturday 7 May 2022 at 12 noon at New Longton Village Hall

Our next meeting is at 12 noon at New Longton Village Hall on Saturday, 7 May 2022.  This will be a meeting for us to make lace and chat.  Remember that we shall also have the 'All our own work' display.  Please bring any items of your work, lace and other crafts, to put on the display table.

If you are interested in lace but not a member, why not come along to the meeting and see what we do.  Members normally bring their own lunch and a cup for a hot drink, though spare cups are available.  Hot drinks and biscuits are provided and there are shops locally if you need to buy lunch. You will be made very welcome. 

Next Meeting: Saturday 2 April 2022 at 12 noon, New Longton Village Hall

Many thanks to all members attending and contributing to the AGM.  Particular thanks to those who have taken on roles on the committee and supporting the committee in the work of the group.  We still need a Vice-Chairman, so could members please consider whether they could help in this role.

Our next meeting takes place on 2 April 2022 at New Longton Village Hall from 12 noon until 4.00 pm.  It is another chance to get together and chat.  We now have a programme secretary, who aims to put together a programme of events for the next two years.  If you have any suggestions for events you would like to see included, please contact Christine on telephone 01772 339913 or by email: prestonlacemakers@yahoo.com.  Similarly, if you provide workshops or talks with a lace theme and would be interested in coming to Preston Lacemakers, please get in touch.

Next Meeting Saturday 5 February 2022 at 12:00 noon

Happy New Year to all

Our next meeting will be held at New Longton Village Hall on Saturday 5 February at 12:00 noon.  

June Ward's friend, Julie, will be bringing June's lace and craft items to the meeting for members to purchase by way of donation to charity.  We are also having the Felts Forever workshop which was postponed from November.

If you are interested in lace and would like to come to the meeting as a visitor, please bring your own food and a cup.

Next Meeting: Saturday, 4 December at 12 noon at New Longton Village Hall

Our next meeting will take place at New Longton Village Hall at 12 noon on 4 December 2021.  Betsy the Scullery Maid (Joanne Halliwell), will be joining us at 1.30 pm to describe her interesting and amusing life at the big house.  Andrea will also give her Dorset button workshop again.  Whilst Andrea will bring everything required, it would be helpful if those wishing to participate could bring basic sewing equipment, including crewel or tapestry needles, scissors and thread.  Embroidery thread is suggested.

Anyone attending is asked to bring their own lunch.  Hot drinks will be available as usual.  If you wish to participate in the secret Santa, remember to bring a wrapped gift to the value of £5.00.

It has been wonderful to be able to get together again and I look forward to seeing you all at the December meeting.

Next Meeting: Saturday 4 September 2021 in person at New Longton Village Hall

Hope everyone is looking forward to meeting up in person again and at our new venue:

New Longton Village Hall

Boundary Close
New Longton
Preston
PR4 4BD

Please note the new start time of 12 noon. 

The venue advises that there will be hand sanitiser by the entrance and also in our meeting room on the table near the fire exit. 

There'll be a signing in sheet, so you may wish to bring your own pen if you don't want to use the communal one. 

Given the ongoing pandemic and the fact that there's likely to be a lot going on because we've not had a physical meeting for 18 months, there won't be a sales table or a raffle at this first meeting.

The kitchen will be available for use and tea/coffee/milk/biscuits will be provided as usual. We suggest you bring your own mug. 

For the comfort and safety of everyone, we recommend wearing a facemask (if you can) when moving around the hall/building and maintaining social distancing where possible.  For anyone who's slightly nervous about coming, the hall is plenty large enough to allow everyone enough space.

There'll be disinfectant spray and cloths available and we'd be grateful if you would wipe your table and seat down before putting them away. 

It would be helpful if you would inform the secretary if you'll be joining us on 4th September so we have an idea of numbers expected.  She can be contacted on prestonlacemakers@yahoo.com. 

Please inform any former members or any potential new members who may wish to visit us and to see the Village Hall. 

The committee is really looking forward to welcoming as many as possible on the 4th September and having a long awaited catch up in person.

Change of Venue and Times of Meetings from 4 September 2021

As the Covid regulations require more space between people at meetings, the committee has successfully searched for a new venue.  It is hoped that we shall be able to meet together once again from Saturday, 4 September 2021 at New Longton Village Hall, Boundary Close, Off Chapel Lane, New Longton, Preston PR4 4BD.  There is a class in the hall in the morning, so meetings will now be held from 12 noon until 4pm.  You might also have seen the following message that Andrea, our Chairman, has posted in FaceBook:

Hi Everyone,

Katharine, my hubby Dave and I managed to relocate our library and supplies to our new venue this morning (Saturday 8th May). We have been made to feel so welcome by the Chairman (Bernard), at New Longton Village Hall and we are really excited to begin this new chapter for our meetings from Saturday 4th September. The meetings will be held from 12pm to 4pm and visitors will be most welcome. There will be further information during the summer re Covid-19 and what we will need to take into consideration going forward.

Here is a link to the village hall website, where you will find details of where to find us. There also some photographs.

If you have any questions please contact me.

Andrea

https://www.newlongtonvillagehall.co.uk/

Whilst it was great to see and speak to people using Zoom since lockdown, there is nothing like meeting up in person.  It will be lovely to see everyone again.

Update from the Chairman and next Zoom meeting 7 November 2020 at 13:00

On Sunday, 1 November, the secretary sent an email to members giving details of our next Zoom meeting at 1.00 pm on Saturday 7 November and including an update from the Chairman.  If any member has not received the email, please check your spam folder in the first instance and then contact the Chairman or Secretary.  The Chairman's update is given below, after the removal of some personal information.  Unfortunately the picture of Dorothy did not transfer, but members will see it in their emails.

Hello everyone.

I do hope that you are all keeping safe and well.

Who would have thought that we would still be in lockdown after all these months! Sadly, it doesn’t look promising for Christmas or the New Year. I am wondering what plans everyone has for Christmas?

We usually celebrate Christmas Day with either our son or daughter for lunch, then the other one for tea. Later, my husband’s family (around 30 of us) all crowd into his mum’s for games and pressies.

I have managed to make some lace over recent weeks… mostly finishing things bought at shows that I never got round to. Here is Dorothy … a design by Sue Clothier of Harlequin Lace. I am going to hang her on the Christmas tree.

It was lovely to see some of you at our last Zoom meeting and a few ideas were mooted to try and encourage more of you to join in. The pity is that the meetings are only 40 minutes long on the free version and the time passes so quickly. I was asked to consider finding a speaker for one of the meetings, but this would only be possible with a longer meeting.

With this in mind, I am proposing that we purchase a licence for a year to use Zoom for longer meetings. This would enable us to have more items of interest and give others more of an opportunity to chat. The cost is around £90, but would be good value for money if more of you were to join us, especially as we do not know how long this situation will carry on. It would be lovely to organize a speaker; show and tell and even a quiz!

If we purchase a licence, I would propose to do one or more training sessions for anyone who doesn’t feel confident enough to use Zoom. I could do these on a one to one basis or a small group. If you are interested, please contact me through the email or telephone details below and I will make arrangements.

Stay safe and well everyone and Happy Lacemaking.

Andrea Gaskell

Chairman

On behalf of PLM Committee.

07590116912

madwomanlace@gmail.com

Zoom meetings

If you are a member and would like to participate in the Zoom meetings but have not had the relevant information, please contact a member of the committee.  The planned Zoom meetings take place on the same day that we would have held our normal meetings - the first Saturday of the month.