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In March 2021, the Embroiderers’ Guild put out a statement regarding the future shape of the national body as it foresaw that it would soon be in financial difficulty. At a General Meeting of members, they put their case, demonstrating a loss of both funds and members, and expressing a desire to maintain the Embroiderers’ Guild’s national collection and to promote embroidery. Members of the national guild had been polled and a considerable majority chose to become Independent Stitch Groups as the national body would no longer support branches. Following the meeting, our Worcester branch bank account was closed and all our funds transferred to the national body. This was possible as all branches were affiliated to the national body and, as the branch was part of the Embroiderers’ Guild charity, all the monies belonged to the national body.
With members’ agreement, a Steering Committee moved the group forward to independence. A new name was voted on, a constitution created and, on 1st May 2021, we became affiliated to the Embroiderers’ Guild as THREADS - Worcester Stitch and Textile Art Group.