Irene Costigan welcomed 25 members and three visitors to our first meeting of 2007.

Members were told about the NW Regional Day in Alsager on April 21, and that 2008 will be the Warrington branch's 10th anniversary.

One of our members, Kristina Hughes, (who is also chairman of Warrington Craftworkers' Guild), was our speaker, explaining her life's work with embroidery. As expected, Kristina gave her talk with great humour, beginning with her work in a tailoring company in Liverpool which provided handmade suits for well known personalities.

Her ambition was to further her education - this began with a City and Guild Course in embroidery, followed by a teacher training course, and finally a degree in fashion design and technology. This was all achieved despite home commitments and caring for two special needs girls.

We were all amazed by the wide variety of items on display, plus various portfolios of drawings and designs, and admired the wonderful workmanship involved.