EMBROIDERERS' GUILD: Members of the Stour Valley branch of the Embroiderers' Guild had a delightful visual tour of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, on April 11 when Jean and Bill Ford gave a talk on the Lifestyle of the Amish - Living without Electricity. This was illustrated by slides showing the farming countryside, the one horse buggies in daily use, complete with 'parking space' outside stores, as well as some splendid examples of Amish quilts collected by Jean and Bill on their many visits. These quilts were mainly made using the colours of 'everyday' clothing worn by the Amish, although nowadays when making quilts for a wider market brighter and lighter colours are often used. Just imagine, in the snows of winter, having to make your way down a long drive to your own individual telephone box, - no telephones in the home! No photographs of people, of course, as this is not permitted, but we received a very real flavour of the Amish way of life. It is to be hoped that this microcosm of such a different way of life will continue to survive under the commercial pressures of the 21st century. The next branch meeting will be held at Stour Court, 2-4pm on May 9, when the guest speaker will be Louise Burn, talking on her collection of 'Precious Packages' many of which she will be bringing with her. Visitors welcome. From May 11 to May 14, inclusive, the second exhibition of members' work will be held at the Shipston Town Museum, at the junction of Old Road and New Road (A3400 - Oxford direction). Entrance free; tea/coffee and home made cakes available all day; small embroidered items and cards for sale; and embroidery items, frames etc for sale. All welcome.