Festivals / Shirehampton
Beloved community craft exhibition could end after 40 years
A beloved community craft exhibition could end after nearly 40 years.
Shirehampton’s Craft Exhibition has been showcasing the arts and crafts of the area’s community for years, but this year could be the final show, after the husband-and wife team behind it announced they have struggled to find volunteers to pass the baton to.
Showcasing everything from traditional patchwork, jewellery, model making and embroidery, to sale stalls and character hunts, the craft exhibition has been enjoyed by generations of Shires, with much of the work taking years to produce.
is needed now More than ever
But Ed and Gail Amphlett, who run the annual event, have struggled to find volunteers to continue the much-loved event, with has taken place during October for the last 40 years.
Shirehampton’s Craft Exhibition has been a beloved social space in the local community for years – photo: Kacey O’Neil
“We are sad this community event is coming to an end,” they said.
“We have tried the last couple of years to encourage new volunteers to join us with the aim of handing this over to a new team of people, so far without success.”
“The volunteers we do have are in their golden years, but we live in hope that the closure just might have a last-minute reprieve,” said Gail.
“The best bit about the Craft Exhibition for us is helping people celebrate their crafting by ensuring they get an audience, as many work in isolation from home. It gives them a ‘shop window’ to showcase their crafts and in some cases sell their items to people who visits the exhibition.”
“It is full of community spirit and the perfect place for people to meet up, wander around the craft exhibition, maybe buy something and then sit down for a cup of tea or coffee, a piece of cake and catch up with some family and friends.”
Ed and Gail plan to hold the last Craft Exhibition this Saturday this year, but have not given up in the search to find someone to continue the event.
The Craft Exhibition takes place at the Public Hall in Shirehampton, Bristol BS11 9TX, from Tuesday, October 24 to Friday, October 27, from 10am to 4pm each day. A crafts sale will take place on Saturday, October 28 from 9am to 4pm.
Main photo: Kacey O’Neill
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