Well its done. After all those months the Eastern Region Textile Forum has been well and truly launched with a conference that was packed to the rafters. The day disappeared in a blur even though I did have the urge to do a runner just before I was confirmed in the post of Chairman . The phrase 'oh help, what have I done' just kept running around in my head.
We had 3 excellent short talks in the morning from Ann Wise of the Warner Archive, Alison Couchman from an educators viewpoint and Annette Morgan speaking as an exhibiting artist. These sparked off much discussion and a framework was put into place which will probably take about 20 years to fulfill completely.
The afternoon was less hard work when James Hunting- 2006 Embroiderers Guild Scholar, Artist,Tutor and all round great human being took to the floor.His talk about his work and the value of organisations such as the forum was just what was needed to round off the day.
So now the real work begins- an enthusiastic committee (we weren't short of volunteers - I always knew Textile Artists are special people) was formed and we start our 'great work'.
watch this space, here comes the ERTF!

Everything is so hectic at the moment. I am working on 5 pieces of work at once . I am creating 'Pods and Webs' for part of a degree assignment where I am seeking to provoke people's reaction to the issue of GM crops. Fortunately this is reaching a conclusion so should be ready before assessment in May and also when I have to take it to Mary Cozen-Walker's studio prior to this.
I am trying to complete a banner of 'My Fair Lady' for display at a flower show in early May and continuing to work on 2 pieces (natural abstracts') for home consumption plus a piece for our next major exhibition in October. Final work in progress is for my daughter's prom - a bead embroidered evening bag- but at least I have until the end of June to complete that- wait a minute that's 6 - no wonder I'm confused!
The ERTF launch Day is nearly upon us and I have been overwhelmed by the response to membership and the conference. With just over a week to go I have dotting the 'i's and crossing the't's to make sure the event runs smoothly- I've even got around to writing my speech. The Team I have had behind me have done a wonderful job so lets hope that everyone involved will have a great time and that it is the start of something really special for Textile Art in the East of England.