The Witwatersrand Lace Guild held a party to celebrate their 35th birthday at the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre.
Birthday cake and tea were served to members, where 11 former chairpersons of the Lace Guild attended, which included the founding member Jean Horne, who founded the guild in 1980. Chairperson of the guild Janice Savage said that for the birthday celebrations, a small exhibition was mounted at the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre as a sample of what the guild would be displaying for the public in October next year, when they will host their joint exhibition alongside the Witwatersrand Embroidery Guild.
“The aim of the guild is to promote the making and appreciation of all types of handmade lace and to keep this gentle art alive,” Savage said. She explained that originally, the Lace Guild only had eight members but within two years, it had increased its membership to 180. Currently, the guild only has 50 members and Savage said they are looking to add more members.
She indicated that even though membership of the guild had fluctuated over the years, many hours have been spent making handmade lace. Savage said visitors were welcome at the guild’s bi-monthly meetings held at the Roosevelt Park Recreation Centre. She pointed out that they had a varied programme throughout the year to ensure that members got a chance to learn new techniques in a workshop.
Details:Witwatersrand Lace Guild, witwatersrandlaceguild@gmail.com or alternatively, www.facebook.com/witslaceguild
