Northern Branch meet around six times a year in Patrick Brompton Church Hall. We are a mix of experience and age but are a wonderfully friendly group. Some of our members come down from Scotland and some up from Cambridgeshire to join us. We have a theme for each meeting and Sandra Snaddon, or a visiting engraver provides the teaching input.  We’ve had quite a few new members in the last year or two who are making very good progress.

Each meeting starts with the boiler being switched on, tea is essential, tables and equipment out and then a display table so that members can bring recent work for advice or feedback. We all bring a selection of food for lunch and elevenses, and we’re lucky to have some amazing cooks!

Once we discuss the theme of the day, and the teaching is delivered, the chatter swiftly quietens and a contented buzz of drills is the only sound to be heard. We usually have our formal meeting after lunch.

At the end of the day, all work is displayed and passed around for comment and feedback, everyone agrees that this is one of the most essential parts of the meeting. We learn so much from each other.

We’ve had a very busy year this year with two exhibitions and a sale of work at Ripon Cathedral.

We are very proud of Rosie Campbell who has recently attained Associate Fellow and of Lilian Cooper, who has been awarded Craft level.