Lethbridge Public Library

General 4 Happening November/December 2019 Worth the Visit Display Showcases Lethbridge Handicraft Guild of Weavers November (Main Branch Display Case, Theatre Gallery) Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club (lethbridgescottishcountrydance.org) December (Main Branch Display Case, Theatre Gallery) Check the display cases at the Main Branch for exhibits by these members of the Allied Arts Council of Lethbridge. In 2019, The Lethbridge Handicraft Guild of Weavers celebrates its 70th Anniversary! The Guild started in about 1935 as a branch of the Canadian Handicraft Guild, disbanded during World War II, and was reorganized in 1949. Members began weaving in the early 1950s using box looms from Eaton's, and when the Bowman School was converted to an Arts Centre, the Guild became one of the first to move in, and remained there until the move to Casa, where they currently have a studio space housing looms, a resource library, fibers, and other weaving supplies. Over the years, a multitude of handicrafts have been taught by Guild members. Today, while weaving predominates, other skills, such as spinning, dyeing, knitting and crocheting are practised and shared. The Guild's focus is to preserve and share the skills of traditional arts and crafts, and of weaving. Many expert instructors have been brought in to further these skills, and the Guild has also organized and hosted numerous provincial conferences. Its membership continues to grow with many younger members learning these skills. To celebrate its 70th Anniversary, members of the Guild have been busy creating special edition woven tea towels. These tea towels and other handwoven items can be purchased at Christmas at Casa, November 15 & 16. The Guild also offers classes and other learning opportunities. For more information visit lethbridgeweavers.ca or Facebook under Lethbridge Weavers. The Lethbridge Scottish Country Dance Club (LSCDC) started in 1981 at the University of Lethbridge. The first certified teacher was Fiona Miller who had just arrived from Glasgow, Scotland where she had grown up dancing along with her parents. She was assisted by Kathy Green. Dancer Gail Michener became the second certified teacher in 1990, and has taught alongside Fiona ever since. Peggy Rodzinyak took the first part of her certification in 2017. The LSCDC is affiliated with the Royal Scottish Country Dance Society headquartered in Edinburgh. The Society was founded in 1923 to preserve the country dance tradition. Scottish country dancing is the original social dancing of Scotland, with dancers performing moves with a partner in sets of six or eight people. This is the type of dancing that was done at weddings, parties, and get-togethers. Many of the dances date back as far as the manuscripts from the Dance Masters in the 17th century. Research has proven that this type of dancing is one of the best activities for all ages as it engages both the mind and the body. The Club meets weekly at St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church Wednesdays from 7–9:15 p.m. each week. No special clothing is needed but they recommend layers and soft, flat-soled shoes. For formal events, they like to dress up in their party clothes. The men always look great in kilts! For more information please contact Cheryl, President; Andrea, Secretary; or Fiona, Teacher via the website mentioned in the headline.

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