Welcome to the Web Site of the

Walsall Handspinners

History of the Club

In the later half of the year 1985, Pauline Walker ( known as the Button Lady), who had a shop in Walsall which in addition to buttons sold spinning and weaving equipment, introduced to each other, five people who she knew had an interest in spinning. These being Jean Goode, Sylvia Wood, Val Speed and David and Linda Wareham. These five people then met a few times at the home of David and Linda Wareham. They exchanged views and ideas and decided that maybe there were other spinners or would be spinners who would like to join them.

This resulted in a spinning demonstration (organised by the “Button Lady”) at Walsall Central Library on Saturday 9th November 1985, where anyone interested was invited to give their names and addresses so that they could be contacted if the idea came to fruition. A lot of interest was shown from people already spinning at home, but would like to meet with other spinners.

To find suitable premises to meet was the next problem, but Sylvia Wood used her influence in obtaining use of the Art Centre at Aldridge Court, which belonged to Walsall Education Department. All the people who had shown interest in the scheme were contacted and a meeting was arranged for 6th December at the Art Centre. What a night, lashing rain and bitterly cold, but most who had shown interest managed to be there.

It was agreed to call the group “Walsall Spinners” and the first meeting was to be held on the first Friday of January 1986.

The group enjoyed approx. 11 years at the Art Centre until this was sold by Walsall Council, but the group stayed together, moving a short distance across Aldridge to the Anchorage Club.