I’m standing outside the gates of Bishop Burton College, just outside Beverley in Yorkshire. It’s raining, not a lot but it’s a bit of a grim day. I am definitely nervous. It’s my first time at Straw in the North, and although I have done a little straw work I’m certainly not as experienced as the people I’m about to meet, who to me are the Hollywood of the straw world. Heather Beeson, who I was lucky enough to have had a few workshops with some years ago, and Elaine Lindsay who I had never met but had seen her beautiful work. In reality I am thinking to myself why did I sign up for this? I’m really not good enough. Oh well too late now so off I go.
I’m greeted by warm friendly faces with lots of hello’s, how are you, do you need a drink? As nervous as I am I can’t help but think how lovely that people who I have never met before are being so friendly and so kind.
So, with lots of help I’m settled in and after dinner we have the first workshop God’s Eye Cross led by Claire Northover, one I had never done before. For 5 minutes I definitely thought I was in over my head, but then it started making sense and by the end of the evening I was amazed to find mine looking as it was supposed to look with Claire’s help, patience and good humour. It was a great start to the weekend.
Next day and onwards and upwards with Heather Beeson leading us with Hills and Dales using a Harp plait. We all had such fun and it was lovely to see everyone’s work.
Later Elaine Lindsay led us with making a Memory Hanging, which for me was probably the most difficult since it was using my imagination something I always have trouble with but I did it and am proud of what I achieved.
Way too soon it’s Monday, it’s all over, where did that weekend go to?
There are some things that are not mentioned when you see the advert for Straw in the North, the food, I think I have put on 2 stone over the weekend, it was lovely and the staff were so friendly. Bishop Burton College is such a peaceful location to be in, great for mind and body.
If you want a very serious weekend, with everyone being told what to do, then this really isn’t for you.
However if you want laughter, fun, great tutors who love to see you learn and grow in your craft then it’s definitely worth booking. I have met the most lovely and amazing people who I am proud to call friends and loved listening to their stories. I have laughed so much I cried, and hopefully made others laugh.
I started this weekend thinking it would be a one-time thing but after this weekend I’m now thinking about using my straw more, keeping in contact with the people I met, making sure what I make gets onto social media so that maybe it will inspire someone else to step onto the straw road and lastly definitely booking next year.
Thank you to everyone who made it such an incredible experience.
Frances Darvill
Roll on next year.
