Coquitlam Needlearts Guild will be celebrating 25 years tomorrow (Saturday), with an afternoon of memories and mingling.
The group was established in 1986 by Joan Smith. She had belonged to guilds in Ontario, Victoria and on the North Shore but there was nothing in the Tri-Cities when she moved here in 1983. In 1986, she decided to form a local guild, and posted handmade flyers around the community. Forty women showed up to that first meeting and 30 of them signed up that day. A couple of weeks later, the guild was born.
"It really took off," said Smith, noting the current group of 54 ladies now meets four times a month to share their love of stitching.
The non-profit community group strives to promote and stimulate an interest in the art of needlework, such as embroidery, needlepoint, cross-stitch, knitting, crochet, etc. "If we can do it with a needle and thread, that's what we do," said guild member Holly Mikulik.
But the group is about more than just needles and thread.
"It's a family - a whole bunch of sisters all sharing the same passion," Mikulik said.
According to Smith, "Many friendships have been formed through the guild."
To mark the 25th anniversary, Mikulik has created a book about the guild. There is currently only one copy, as one chapter remains to be completed, pertaining to the anniversary celebration tomorrow.
"A lot of members have passed away, a lot of us are having a bit of memory loss and it was important to preserve the history of this group," said Mikulik. "After groups come together, they spend years together and then they disband. There's never anything about them anywhere and nobody remembers them.
"We want to be remembered."
The limited edition book is only available to members past and present, and covers 25 years of history in 160 pages, starting with the first flyer and photos of the early years of the guild.
For guild member Patti Armstrong, the support that members give one another in times of need, is what makes the group unique. Co-president Connie Ball felt the support of the members three years ago following a stroke when she lost the use of her left arm for six months. She continued attending the guild meetings, working one-handed with a needlework stand.
"The guild was amazing," Ball said. "They took care of me and always made sure that I had a ride.
"They support you. There's always a shoulder to cry on or a hug. The girls band together when we go through hard times"
The guild averages about 50 to 60 members, and has had as many as 90 members at one time while never dropping below 30. Currently, the youngest member is in her 30s while the oldest just turned 90.
"We cover a few years, " said Mikulik, noting the average age is 50 to 55 years.
And new members are always welcome to join, regardless of age or skill level.
"I think the guild will go on forever," said Smith. "You'll have to take me out of there feet first."
Said Ball: "It's not just a hobby, it's our passion."
The 25th anniversary celebration will take place in the Centennial Room at the Dogwood Pavilion (624 Poirier St.) on Saturday, Oct. 1 between 1 and 4 p.m. To join the guild, call Connie Ball at 604-931-1811.
jgauthier@tricitynews.com
