The Tandridge Handicraft Society was founded over five years ago. Its aim is to encourage crafts in the area. The membership consists of experts and amateurs and provides inspiration and guidance to create both beautiful and practical things. Some of the crafts which members are working on include patchwork, knitting, quilting, beading, tapestry (or canvas work), textile art, embroidery, appliqué, lace making and crochet.

The membership consists of all ages and the society is keen to welcome younger members in order to keep the crafts alive in the Tandridge District. It's a very lively and friendly group.

Weekly meetings are held during term time. There is always someone there to help anybody who becomes stuck on a problem or who wishes to learn a new skill.

Talks & Demonstrations. Monthly talks and demonstrations are given by experts in their fields. These are well attended by both members and visitors.
Fee for visitors is £3 at the door which includes tea and biscuits.

Workshops. During the year, Saturday Workshops are held when members can learn new skills.

Society Outings. Each year an outing is organised to a place of interest and inspiration to the members.

Projects. The project for 2007/2008 is to make a quilt using the Japanese Folded Patchwork method. Participating members have made several squares each which are being stitched together. The finished quilt will be raffled for charity at the Tandridge Handicraft Exhibition in March 2009.

Where and When. The members meet every Monday during the school year between 1.30pm and 4.30pm at The Woodhouse Centre, opposite Tandridge Leisure Centre, Oxted.

Membership fee. Yearly membership fee is £38, which includes all talks and demonstrations. Visitors are invited at £3 per Monday session. Please contact the Chairman for more details.

Contacts
Chairman: 01883 714658 Publicity/Advertising: 01883 382525

Spring Programme 2008

7th January. Spring Term starts

21st January. "Amazing Goldwork." A talk by Owen Davies, Author and Tutor, Head of Diploma Studies at the Royal School of Needlework, on the embroidered art known as goldwork.

2nd February. Saturday Workshop. "Textiles, Dyes etc." with Jackie Martin. Piecing and weaving strips of materials and then embellishing by machine or hand, before turning into chosen cases, bags, containers etc.

18th February. "Mosaic Art & Design." A talk and demonstration by Arendse Plesner, artist, author and tutor.

March/April. Fun with Patchwork (club projects)

14th April. "Knitting & Crochet with Beads." A talk by Pat Trott, also an embroiderer, who teaches regularly at Missenden Abbey and at Embroiderers' Guild Branches around the country.

12th May. "Inspirational Gardens." A talk by Liz Ashurst. She trained at Chelsea and Goldsmiths' Colleges of Art and Design and is a qualified teacher and practising textile artist. Liz is a member of the Society of Designer Craftsmen and the Embroiderers' Guild. She has her own studio in Reigate and tutors locally.

28th May. Club Outing to Standen, East Grinstead. Arts & Crafts Movement. William Morris wallpapers and textiles

30th June. End of Term