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Great British Bead Show 2013 - Thursday 9th to Sunday 12th May

Many beadworkers helped us to ‘bring beadworkers together’ and joined us at this, the largest beadwork event in the UK. The long weekend was packed with great beading to do and see with classes, displays and shopping. The Bazaar on Sunday was free for Guild members!

Classes - Thursday 9^th to Sunday 12th May

There was a range of wonderful classes on offer, to appeal to both experienced beadworkers and the absolute novice. There were a variety of subjects featuring different techniques from some favourite tutors and some new faces, too. There were one and two-day classes and half-day classes on Sunday. A bead shop was be open through Friday and Saturday

The Masterclass was be given by Heather Kingsley-Heath, designer, author and former editor of our Journal. Heather offered a challenging Masterclass followed by two fabulous classes on Friday and Saturday.

Members’ display - Friday 10th & Saturday 11th May

Members attending the show brought work along for other participants to enjoy during Friday and Saturday. This provided a wonderful display that changed over the two days. There was no judging so no pressure!

Exhibition of The Challenge entries – Friday 10th to Sunday 12th May

All the Underwater World Challenge entries were on display on Friday and Saturday. Winners were announced on Saturday evening. On Sunday, the exhibition was also open to people attending the Bazaar (exhibition closed 2 pm).

Annual General Meeting of The Beadworkers Guild – Saturday 12th May, 8.30pm

This was our opportunity to report back to the membership and explain our progress. It was more fun than you might expect!

The Great British Bead Bazaar – Sunday 12th May, 10.00am to 4.00pm

Invited traders with everything a beader needed, from glass beads, crystals and semi precious gems to books, tools and ‘must have’ storage. There were lots of new products to look at, too. The Underwater World Challenge Exhibition was open until 2.00pm.

Bazaar entrance fee was £5, children under 15 free. Entrance to the Bazaar was free for members of The Beadworkers Guild.

The Hotel

The Staverton Park Hotel and Golf Club, has light and spacious class rooms. It has a swimming pool, mini gym and offers beauty treatments.

Dinner, Bed & Breakfast rate for participants: £102.00 per person per night or £87.60 per person per night if sharing.

How to get there

By Car

From Northampton and M1 (Junction 16),

follow the A45 to Daventry. Follow signs for the A425 towards Leamington Spa and Staverton. Staverton Park is located on the right-hand side, about half a mile from the outskirts of Daventry.

From the North and M1 (Junction 18),

follow the A361 to Daventry. Follow signs for A425 towards Leamington Spa and Staverton. Staverton Park is located on the right-hand side, about half a mile from the outskirts of Daventry.

From M40 and Banbury (Junction 11),

follow the A361 to Daventry. After approximately 16 miles and after Banbury village, turn left at signpost for Staverton. Continue until small roundabout, at which turn right and Staverton Park is located half a mile on the left.

By Train

Long Buckby is the nearest station, at 6.5 miles from the venue. Northampton and Rugby main line stations are both approximately 12 miles away. We have negotiated special fixed rates with a local taxi firm to bring participants to the hotel (full details are on the booking form). Trains from London Euston take approximately one hour; from Gatwick direct to Rugby is approximately two hours^{^.}

By Air

Birmingham International Airport is 30 miles away, and the M1 provides a direct route to London’s three main airports (Heathrow, Gatwick and Stansted) via the M25, M4/M23 and M11 respectively.

And finally….

We have tried hard to ensure that the information we have provided is accurate, but occasional errors may occur. We reserve the right to make changes as required, and can only apologise if items are amended without notice.

Comments on the GBBS 2011

The Great British Bead Show 2011 was a great success, here are some comments from members who attended the event:

"I have been feeling a little jaded where beading has been concerned and this weekend as given me back the inspiration to start playing around with the beads again"

"The organisation was superb. 10 out of 10 for both of my classes."

"This year is the first time I had been for the whole 4 days and I found it so stimulating. In fact, although I bead everyday anyway, I am now dreaming beads and Monday morning had to get out of bed at 4.00am to write down the pattern which was whizzing about in my head!"

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Story Posted:
19th May 2013

Story Title:
2013 Challenge Winners

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