Arts and Crafts for everyone at Stanwick Lakes

Stanwick Lakes has a wide variety of arts and crafts events throughout the year, whether you want to learn a new skill, brush up on an old one or be inspired by the talents of others. The Visitor Centre’s diverse spaces accommodate all sorts of arts events and the natural light that streams through the windows is one of the things that attracts regular groups such as the Craft Café and Stanwick Stitchers.

The site is run by Rockingham Forest Trust as a social enterprise and any income made from Arts and Crafts events held at Stanwick Lakes is reinvested into the crafts programme and used for maintaining the site as a nature reserve and countryside attraction. Arts and Crafts events are kept at a low cost, to enable as many people as possible to have a go and be introduced to a new skill. Normal car parking charges apply.

Read on to find out more, visit the “What’s on” page or email info@rftrust.org.uk and ask to receive the Stanwick Lakes monthly newsletter. We also post Arts and Crafts events on our facebook page.

Craft Café

Our monthly Craft Café is a weekday drop-in session and a great way for adults to try a new craft and to meet other crafters. The Café usually takes place on the first Friday of the month (but not in the school holidays) between 10.30am and 1pm in the visitor centre. Crafts recently featured at the Café have included spinning and willow weaving, pottery and lace making. The Craft Café is free, but we ask for a small donation to cover materials.

Craft Workshops

Craft Workshops are an opportunity to try a new craft or develop your existing skills in more detail. Recently featured crafts at these workshops have included watercolour and acrylic painting, needle felting, button art, pottery and crochet. The workshops are led by passionate and experienced crafters and, because places are limited, need to be booked in advance directly with the workshop leader. The workshops usually take place in the visitor centre Discovery Zone and a half day workshop usually costs between £12 and £18.

Art Events and Exhibitions

Stanwick Lakes hosts an eclectic mix of art and craft events throughout the year. Local art groups hold regular exhibitions in the visitor centre and we have hosted regional photography competitions and Open Studio events.

Community Art Exhibition/Competition

As part of our ‘Wild About Wood and Craft’ event coming up in April, we are running an art exhibition/competition with the theme of ‘Wood and Woodland’. Entrants can present their piece of art in any medium including painting, photography and sculpture. An entry form must be filled in by anyone wishing to take part and the deadline is 22nd March. Download the entry form or pick one up from reception.

Let’s Get Knitting & Crocheting

This friendly group meet once a month (usually on the second Thursday of the month) to use their skills for a good cause. Over the last year they have knitted and crocheted cardigans for Ugandan street children, dressing gowns for local elderly, and taken part in the Innocent Big Knit. The group welcomes new members and the more experienced knitters and crocheters are always happy to pass on their skills.

Stanwick Stitchers

All comers are welcome to join the Stanwick Stitchers, who meet in the Stanwick Lakes Visitor Centre once a month to stitch and chat over coffee and cake. This is an informal group of like-minded individuals which includes experienced stitchers who like to share ideas and have some company while they stitch, and beginners who need some help, hints or tips. Not everyone does cross-stitch so if you are stitching something else, just bring it along.

The group meets at 10.30am on the 3rd Friday of the month (except when it falls in the school holidays). There is no need to book but if you would like some more information please call Pauline on 01933 229817 or email pauline.cuthbertson@btopenworld.com

Children’s / Family Crafts

Look out for arts and crafts activities for children in the Discovery Zone, either as part of a specific event or as an activity during the school holidays. The Discovery Zone also hosts our Rainbow Café, a weekly craft and music club for pre-schoolers and their carers.