Oliver Budd, who creates mosaics, and Jennie Rayment, who creates patchwork using fabric manipulation techniques, informed, inspired and entertained 6 Bognor Regis WI members with their 2 guests, as part of the Gilchrist and Tiptree Cups and County Craft Award Day at Steyning on August 6^th.  

The event, organised by West Sussex WI Federation, attended by over 100 WI members from across the County, hosted 3 County wide competitions.   Bognor Regis WI entered each competition and our displays stood out in the crowd.   Lesley Gupppy, Jan Marsden, Christine Harris and Angela Mitchell worked together to create a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party.   Lesley’s Mad Hatter’s Hat, made from sugar paste, was the “table” for “cups and saucers” – delightful, and Angela’s flower exhibit decorated the display as “cup cake” made out of flowers in a tea pot – exquisite.   The judges liked the flavour of Christine’s jam, and thought Jan’s biscuits were attractive, although a little soft – 30 seconds longer in the oven next time Jan!

The star of the show was a “Present for Alice” in the form of a red and white fabric covered box with an antidote for poison in the tiniest bottle inside – made Barbara Foster.    Barbara’s efforts have been rewarded, as she won the County Craft Award for Bognor Regis WI.   Barbara has also been approached to make a similar box for the West Sussex room at Denman College – what an honour.

Let me return to the Speakers on that day.  

Oliver Budd is a second generation mosaic artist.   Following in his father’s footsteps, he has created massive mosaic walls and other items to decorate private and public places. The designs are clever, and using a variety of shades in each colour along the flow lines, his images have a sense of reality despite being made up of tiny angular tiles.   We were all impressed with the swimming pool wall he designed in Kent, as well as a wall commissioned by Birmingham City Council.  

Jenny Rayment – what an extraordinary speaker!    Her theatrical delivery about her patchwork career climaxed as she transformed her attractive patchwork skirt into a Bunny Girl outfit.    She told us how she came upon patchwork by chance after doing her son’s paper round when he was “ill” and a lady took pity on her wet and exhausted appearance.  I thought her patchwork designs were clever and unique.  Watch this space – I have the book!   An inspirational and funny speaker.

As you can see, a really enjoyable day.   Barbara’s first prize, a risqué speaker, taking part and good company!

 Jan Marsden