SWI members to hold national gathering in Dundee
Around 300 women from across Scotland, from the Highlands and Islands to the Borders, will come together in Dundee this September for the Scottish Women’s Institutes’ (SWI) first Members’ Gathering.
Taking place at the Apex Hotel on Friday, September 11 and Saturday, September 12, the two-day event will celebrate everything at the heart of the SWI – friendship, learning, creativity and fun – while giving members the chance to reconnect, make new friends and enjoy all that Dundee has to offer.
The Gathering features an exciting line-up of speakers. Stuart Johnstone, Editor of The People’s Friend, and Leonie Bell, Director of V&A Dundee, will be joined by guests from further afield, including interior designer Anna Campbell-Jones and world-record-breaking Maclean Brothers Jamie, Ewan and Lachlan, who rowed across the Atlantic in just 35 days.
Showcasing the breadth of SWI life, the weekend will also give members plenty of opportunities to get hands-on and learn new skills. Workshops will include sashiko – the traditional Japanese art of decorative stitching – 3D card decoupage and tartan wreath making.
Friday evening will bring a change of pace with SWI’s Got Talent, giving members the chance to take to the stage with song, comedy and drama, hosted by comedian and writer Susan Morrison.
On Saturday, the focus returns to Scotland’s rich creative heritage with an expert panel discussion exploring the fascinating history and legacy of the Needlework Development Scheme. The weekend will then be rounded off with a live cookery demonstration from MasterChef finalist and author Sarah Rankin.
At the heart of the Gathering will be the Vaughan Nash Exhibition, the SWI’s triennial handcraft exhibition celebrating the skill, dedication and creativity of members from across Scotland.
The exhibition will also open to the public from 11.15am to 1.15pm on September 12. Entry is £10 on the door, with places available to reserve through Eventbrite.
SWI Chief Executive Diane Cooper said: “We have created a weekend where members can catch up with old friends, meet new ones, try something different and simply enjoy being together. With around 300 women joining us, it promises to be a fantastic celebration of the SWI community.”