I'm delighted to announce that we have made our annual Sponsorship Award to the Royal School of Needlework Certificate Course. This scheme provides 50% of the fees to the successful candidates, enabling them to pursue at their own pace this prestigious and rigorous qualification.
This year we were able to make several awards, and of a strong field of candidates we chose three, whose natural gifts and commitment to the Guild of St Clare's charitable objects very much impressed the panel.
Julija Bigataite is a regular supporter of both the Sewing Retreat and the vestment mending workshops at St Mary Moorfields. She has mended several chasubles belonging to the Latin Mass Society to a very high standard.
Maya Breen is a home educator and member of the Guild of St Clare Birmingham & Black Country Chapter.
Gerrie Serpell is the leader of the East Kent Chapter, and has made and mended several vestments alongside her more pressing duties as a home educating mother of many sons.
The Guild of St Clare is already greatly enriched by the contribution each of these candidates makes, and we are very happy to be able to give them the opportunity to improve their skills and increase their knowledge of traditional hand embroidery. Many congratulations and thanks to all three!
We will be inviting applications for next year's Sponsorship Award in late spring next year.