It’s getting very close to the start of the Beginners and Intermediate Courses. The first Beginners workshop is on either Wednesday 8th September (18:30 – 21:30) or Thursday 9th September (10:00 – 16:00). The first Intermediate workshop is either Wednesday 15th September (18:30 – 21:30) or Thursday 16th September (10:00 – 16:00). But before we all get totally consumed in new beginner quilts and landscapes, I want to boast about a few successes for members of my groups. I’m very proud of all of them. Dawn Williams lovely Beginners and Magic Tile quilts won 1st and 2nd prizes in Holyhead Show. Well done! A very well deserved win. Lynne Walters sent me a photo of the quilt she has made for her three year old grandson following the Machine Quilting workshop. It looks lovely and I’m sure he’ll love it for years to come. Gina Kent won 1st prize with a quilted pillow and 2nd prize with her Beginners quilt at Beddgelert Horticultural and Craft Show. She also won the cup for gaining most points in the Craft section. It’s a pity we’ll lose Gina to Scotland soon but we wish her well. There are shows up there too if she isn’t too busy with building work. Jean Raynor won 4th prize in the Llangefni Eisteddfod with her Beginners quilt. Isn’t this great! Then to cap it all off, Elaine Thomas’s lovely blue and white quilt took 1st place for Wholecloth Quilting and won ‘My First Bed Quilt’ at The Great British Quilt Show in Harrogate. Elaine could hardly believe it but no-one who saw the quilt at our Summer Party on 4th July will be surprised. It is now moving on to The Scottish Championships in Edinburgh where the theme this year is ‘Blue and White Delight’ which couldn’t be more appropriate so keep your fingers crossed for her. I’m looking forward to seeing all my old friends and meeting lots of new ones, so roll up your sleeves, clean your machines and get ready for some fun (and hard work!?) Dorothy Russell