An exhibition by the Worstead Weavers is currently being held in North Walsham by The Griffon Area Partnership.The event, open daily 10-4 at Brentnall House in Vicarage Street, offers a rare opportunity to see weavers and spinners at work and admire some of their craft work and runs until September 6.

An exhibition by the Worstead Weavers is currently being held in North Walsham by The Griffon Area Partnership.

The event, open daily 10-4 at Brentnall House in Vicarage Street, offers a rare opportunity to see weavers and spinners at work and admire some of their craft work and runs until September 6.

The Weavers have been in Worstead since 1972 when the Guild was formed. In 1996 the Guild moved to the Baptist Chapel at Meeting Hill and still meets there.

Early in 2007 Father Anthony Long, the present vicar of St. Mary's, asked if the Worstead Guild of Weavers Spinners and Dyers could display a loom in the church to commemorate the part which wool and weaving had in the building of the church and the life of Worstead. The Guild was pleased to be able to meet this request and celebrate both ancient traditions and more recent history.

The loom now on show in St Mary's was originally an eight shaft loom and was used by a professional hand weaver. After extensive cleaning and restoration it is now shown with four shafts (Cleaning and restoration by Stan Appleton and David Risborough in 2007).

There are now over thirty members in the Guild using a wide range of equipment in the Weaver's Loft. The Guild gives demonstrations at several other events during the year, encourages newcomers to the craft and is one of the very few teaching guilds which exist nationally. The Guild and Museum exist to preserve and practice the work and skills carried on in earlier centuries in this area.

Mike Jones, Griffon Area Partnership said: “The Griffon Gallery is really pleased to have this exhibition by the Worsted Weavers which will further our remit of publicising local arts and crafts. It is also a great opportunity to look at the heritage of the area and should inspire all generations.”

Brian Morgan, Worsted Weavers said, “We are delighted to be involved with the Griffon Area Partnership and pleased to be exhibiting in North Walsham. We are always happy to demonstrate our skills and welcome opportunities to be more involved with the local community.”