Crafting group finds new home

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s popular St Georges Coffee and Crafting Club is moving to a bigger venue to make room for even more creativity, conversation and cups of coffee.

The increasingly popular group has outgrown its previous home and, thanks to a growing waiting list, will now meet at The Old Gower School House, Gower Street, St Georges.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of every month, from 10am-12pm, with pre-booking essential. Sessions cost £4 per person, helping to cover the cost of materials.

And while crafting is very much at the heart of the sessions, there is plenty more going on. Every session finishes with tea and coffee, giving members the chance to put down their paintbrushes and craft supplies and enjoy a good chat.

Claire Fishlock, Senior Service Development Officer at Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin, said: “When we move to our new venue in September, we’ll be able to welcome up to 30 members to each session. We’re not aiming to be professional artists or crafters, it’s simply about enjoying time together, trying something new, sharing ideas and tips, and having a go at creating something ourselves.”

“What’s most important is the lovely friendship group we’ve created. For around two hours each month, we can craft, chat, share ideas and, most importantly, have fun together.”

Recent creative adventures have included painting seashells in a variety of colourful designs and mounting them onto canvas, proving that you don't need to be a professional artist or have years of experience to turn everyday objects into something beautiful.

And there is plenty more creativity on the horizon. Over the coming months, members will have the chance to try their hand at:

• Candle painting using acrylics, alongside creating a beautiful card inspired by English Heritage.
• Silk painting with flowers, exploring colour and design on a delicate new canvas.
• Creating a herb garden using tin cans, giving old containers a new lease of life and hopefully providing members with some fresh herbs to enjoy too!

The group is about much more than the finished craft. It is a friendly, relaxed opportunity to learn something new, meet people and enjoy a couple of hours away from the everyday, with the added bonus of taking home something handmade.

With space now available for up to 30 members, Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin hopes the move will allow the St Georges Crafting Group to continue growing while retaining the warm, welcoming atmosphere that has made it so popular.

For further information about Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin’s Coffee and Crafting Club call 01743 233 123 or email enquiries@ageukstw.org.uk