Bumper entry as SWI show off their handicraft skills
The Isle of Arran SWI Federation hosted its traditional handicraft show on Wednesday when a massive 460 entries were exhibited in more than 21 categories.
The show, historically held on the same day as the farmers’ show, includes many types of disciplines from knitting, painting and card-making to photography and baking. Items are entered by individuals and from joint efforts by the five SWI groups around the island who make up the federation.
Each year carries a theme. Last year was Mary Queen of Scots, while this year was Alice in Wonderland and The Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.
Taking pride of place at the exhibition were the splendid community trays, with Lamlash taking the top prize this year. An equally coveted prize is the best in show, which, in the handicraft section, went to Alison Thompson for her appliqué and handsewn quilt, which has been in the making for almost five years. A self-confessed Shakespeare fan, Alison celebrated the 400th anniversary of the bard’s death with an interpretation of an Elizabethan wall hanging from the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which included plants, flowers, fruit and even some of her favourite Shakespearean verses.
The prize-giving ceremony at the end of the day included a raffle with prizes from local businesses including a luxury hamper from George Leslie Ltd before the trophies were presented. Show convener Nancy Bremner and president Anne Pringle thanked all of the 120 members and 46 exhibitors for entering their contributions to the show and to KA Leisure for the use of the theatre.
A full list of the prizewinners will be in next week’s Banner.