ON Tuesday, October 8, at the Greig Hall, Joyce Parker talked about 'The Joy of Smocking'.

With a brief history of how smocking styles and techniques have changed over the years, Joyce informed members of the four basic types - decorative, picture, ribbon and counter change.

Styles began with the peasants' smocks of the 17th century and smocking was used as a method of making two large pieces of fabric fit the body above the yoke, back and front, but still allowing for easy movement.

In 1735, a factory shop would charge the huge amount of money for that time of 5 shillings and 6d just to stamp material ready for stitching into the tiny pleats.

Threads were dyed to match the fabric and different colours represented different parts of the country such as blue for Dorset and green for the Midlands.

Joyce demonstrated her skill and great enthusiasm for this decorative craft, passing round different samples and displaying a beautiful collection of different types and ages of smocked garments from children's wear and teddy bears' clothes to Christmas crackers and tea cosies.

The vote of thanks was given by Janice Mutton, who won the raffle.