Events

Forthcoming Events

The Stroudwater Textile Trust holds events throughout the year which promote interest in, and awareness of, our wonderful local textile heritage. Some events are hosted by ourselves, others are run by our partners in the textile community. Watch out for classes, talks, walks, demonstrations and exhibitions.

Forthcoming events are listed on this page (please note that the 24-hour clock is used). Click on the button to book your place. If you want to visit one of our mill sites, click here.

We look forward to seeing you at an event, and thank you for your interest in Stroud’s industrial history and the work of the Stroudwater Textile Trust.

  • Fridays 5, 12 19 and 26 June
    10.00-12.00

    A 4-week beginners’ sewing course at The Sewing Shed, Stroud, learning to sew and use a sewing machine. Covering all the basics, the course is subsidised by STT and costs £80 for the course (instead of £105) including all materials. 10 places maximum; book here https://sewingshedstroud.co.uk/courses/4-week-sewing-course-beginners or call Martha van der Laan on 07846 853016.

  • Sunday 21 June
    9.45-12.00

    Explore Eastington with Steve Mills of the Gloucestershire Society for Industrial Archeology.  A circular walk, mostly on the flat (stout footwear advised), lasting around 2 hours. We visit the mills of the area and learn about the industry leaders of previous centuries. Parking is at a premium, so please park along the section of abandoned road parallel to the canal at Pike Lock (just across the roundabout from Oldbury Services/Waitrose). The post code is GL10 3RT. We will gather from 9.45 for a 10 am start. Cost £7 (£5 for GSIA and STT Members).
    Book Event

  • Saturday 27 June
    10.00-16.00

    Crewelwork embroidery workshop with Kim Hardie at France Lynch Church Rooms. This gifted and talented teacher will provide an imaginative design for you to work, featuring four dye plants. All materials provided; cost £50 (bring your own lunch, tea/coffee provided). SOLD OUT.
    Book Event

  • Tuesday 28 July
    10.00-12.00

    Visit Wingham Wool Works in Berkeley Heath.  A private visit (STT Members only) to this Aladdin's Cave of pure combed wool-tops, brightly coloured wool mixes and Ashford spinning equipment. Also working machinery to admire: a magnificent 1920s carding machine, a comber and a gill box machine. No charge but booking essential. SOLD OUT.
    Book Event

  • Thursday 6 August
    10.00-17.00

    Painswick Wool Day (date changed from 4th). An entertaining and exploratory day for all the family in association with the parish church and the local history society. Donkeys, sheep, alpacas, history, houses, spinning, weaving, storytelling and lots more. No charge, but donations welcome for St Mary’s Parish Church; booking not necessary.

  • Sunday 30 August
    10.00-16.00

    Forage & Dye with Siân Lester. Spend a couple of hours foraging locally for dye plants, then use them to dye suitable fabrics (supplied) at the Cacao Café in Bedford Street, Stroud. Cost £75 (£65 for STT Members). 10 places only.
    Book Event

  • Thursday 10 September
    10.00-16.00

    Weaving Day. A follow-up to our taster session in January, Rebecca Connolly offers an all-day workshop covering the key skills for successful weaving. Once again at France Lynch Church Rooms(with improved lighting), you will learn how to design a warp, set up a loom, weave different patterns and experiment with different types of wool. A limit of 8 students ensures plenty of individual help; all materials provided, plus the use of an 8-inch-wide hand loom for each participant. Cost £60 (£55 for STT Members); tea/coffee provided but please bring a packed lunch.
    Book Event

  • Sunday 4 October
    10.00-13.00

    Join us in The Lounge at Egypt Mill to learn medieval stitching techniques similar to those used on the Bayeux Tapestry. Choose one of two designs from tutor Tanya Bentham and work with a supplied kit to create your own medieval embroidery. Cost £50 (£45 for STT Members). 20 places only.
    Book Event

  • Sunday 4 October
    14.15-15.15

    Pre-AGM talk on the Bayeux Tapestry (not actually a tapestry at all!), with Tanya Bentham. Why and how was it made, by whom and for whom? Cost £10 (STT Members free); booking essential, even for Members.
    Book Event

  • Sunday 4 October
    15.30

    Annual General Meeting of the Stroudwater Textile Trust (open to Members only), followed by tea.

  • Saturday 10 October
    10.00-15.00

    STT Members networking day upstairs at Stroud Brewery. A chance for Members to demonstrate their work and share ideas with others. We are also offering a limited number of taster sessions in spinning and weaving. (If you wish to book a taster session, click on the Book Event button. There's no charge, but donations to the Trust would be appreciated.)
    Book Event

  • Thursday 29 October
    10.00-14.00

    Half Term Woolly Day. Free, drop-in craft day for children aged 3–11 (accompanied by an adult) at Museum in the Park. An imaginative way to keep younger children occupied for an hour or so. Bookable slots at 10.00, 11.30 and 13.00; see our website for details. Siblings under 3 can also be brought but must be fully occupied/entertained by parents.
    Book Event

  • Thursday 12 November
    10.00-12.00

    A textile brooch. Create a unique piece of jewellery from fabric scraps under the guidance of Jane Burchall. Venue is Christ Church Rooms, Nailsworth; £15 including materials and equipment.
    Book Event

  • Saturday 5 December
    10.00-16.00

    Craft your own Christmas Fairy under the guidance of Corinne Hockley, whose background is in costume and stage design. Venue is Museum in the Park; materials provided, but you can bring your own bits and pieces including any unwanted jewellery for repurposing. Cost £60 (STT Members £50). 10 places only.
    Book Event