Gressenhall Spring Fling - What a Scorcher!

We were privileged to sponsor and support the annual 'Spring Fling' event at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse on the late May Bank Holiday Monday.  Despite it being one of the hottest days of the year so far, more than 300 people attended the event, and were treated to tractor rides, sheep shearing and farrier work demonstrations, farm visits and a fascinating insight into the Flax and Fleece Project being run by the Norfolk Museum Service showing how flax is grown and turned into linen to make clothing.  The museum inside the workhouse was also open, and lots of visitors took the opportunity to look round there too.

Stephen Worth's beautiful shawl illustrations formed the backdrop to the C&TA stand

Amy Patterson delighted visitors with her drop-spindle demonstration, and she persuaded several people to have a go themselves.

​​Several committee members braved the heat in the marquee to set up a beautiful exhibition, illustrated by Stephen Worth, about the C&TA and our work, particularly on the history of the Norwich shawl industry, and there was also a range of our publications and cards for sale.  Mandy Jackson and Barbara Coe provided a lovely badge-making activity for visiting families, which was much enjoyed.  Recent new member Amy Patterson was also kind enough to don full historical costume and demonstrate drop spindle and wheel spinning, and although we didn't have many visitors because of the stifling heat in the tent, those who did come in were fascinated by what they saw and really engaged with the displays and activities.  We were also lucky enough to be able to see the interesting projects on sustainable clothing displayed by students from the Norwich University of the Arts, and the wonderful textures and colours produced in the work of the Mid-Norfolk Guild of Spinners, Weavers and Dyers - both were fellow-exhibitors in the crafts marquee.

This is an annual event and we are already looking forward to 2027's Spring Fling - but hoping for slightly cooler weather!  It makes a wonderful day out for the whole family.

The badge-making activity produced some charming felt pigs and sheep!