2021 Lacemakers on BBC 'Countryfile'
From Lacey Green History
For the history and photos of local lacemaking click Lace Making
Hallmark May 2021. Lacemakers by Rosemary Mortham
Last autumn, I made a video about lace making for the Woodlanders Project. This was picked up by the BBC, who asked if I could do a piece for Countryfile. | was helped by Alex Adkins from Walters Ash. Originally I had planned to ask my neighbour Jill Baker; but sadly, she has since died, so this is a bit of a tribute to her. She was a great craftswoman.
The researcher was a very enthusiastic young woman. She came to see me before the filming. | found that this was her very first story, and she was so pleased when it was accepted. We worked together on what should be included. She was particularly keen that we should teach the presenter to make lace. | must admit, | was rather sceptical about this, but | think it went well.
Due to Coronavirus restrictions, filming was outside, in a local cottage garden. Fortunately, it did not rain, but it did get very cold towards the end of the day. Filming took 3 hours, for a 6 minute slot. It will be interesting to see what is cut out! The BBC team were really nice, especially Sean - the presenter.
We felt quite at ease; and surprisingly, we enjoyed the afternoon. Our piece will be shown on Sunday 18th April at 6.00.p.m. | hope Hallmark readers will enjoy it. It should certainly put Lacey Green on the map.
Hallmark November 2021. Lace Taster Day by Rosemary Mortham
This was held on Saturday 11th September in Lacey Green Village Hall.
It was a follow up to the item on Bobbin Lace Making which appeared on BBC Countryfile in the Spring.
Around 30 people interested in making lace attended, including 7 children. There were talks, demonstrations, an exhibition and sales stalls with a lot of lace making equipment.
Quite a number of people were keen to continue, but there are no local classes for them to attend that we know of.
It is therefore intended to set up several informal group meetings in people’s homes to help them to learn more.
The event was part of a local initiative - The Woodlanders Project. It was resounding success, and there are plans to repeat it at a different venue.
To me it was very satisfying to find that there are still people, and especially children, who would like to take up this local craft, which | had feared would soon die out.