CHAIRMAN of Appleby in Westmorland branch of the Embroireres' Guild, Eileen Ormrod, had "dragooned her sister-in-law, Dorothy Kearney, into being the speaker for the May meeting.

Dorothy had brought with her a selection of her work. She took up embroidery in 1987 when needing a distraction from the caring for her ailing mother and soon discovered how absorbing and satisfying embroidery can be.

Dorothy has tried many types of embroidery and happily gives away much of her work to members of the family and friends. Her favourite piece is of the Gardener's Prayer, which she made for her husband, a keen gardener, taken from a photograph of his garden.

A Christmas crib with figures made from hessian was also a great attraction.

She has found much pleasure in making and decorating priestly garments for her local church in Formby, where she has lived for many years. Her work has been worn in Lourdes and for an ordination in Ireland.

Next month's meeting of Embroiderers' Guild will be a members evening. Young Embroiderers will meet on June 12 to avoid Appleby Fair week.