My passion for Gathering
Born in 1967 the year of the F L O W E R child, and growing up in the 70’s helped to structure my creative future in many ways …
My Dad, Uncle Harry and my Uncle Larry were key figures in my life as far as creativity, M U S I C and thinking outside of the box were concerned… it was after a conversation with my Dad over a cuppa in a L O C A L coffee shop back in August 2024 in Ludlow, that the name ‘The Spit & Sawdust’ was born … thanks Dad x
My parents had many F R I E N D S but a core few would be the ones we would see on a regular basis; Uncle Larry & Aunt Penny, Uncle Harry & Auntie Pam. We would all holiday T O G E T H E R at shell island at least once if not twice a year and I have lots of H A P P Y memories of that place and hold it dear in my heart.
My Dad was and is a musician and was also an A R T I S T as I remember back in the day … he also had a creative brain and worked three jobs to provide for his family, V A R I E T Y is the spice of life.
One of his jobs was a painter, painter & decorator where he worked for the local council in Birmingham. He later took the plunge and made the B R A V E decision to go self employed. That took courage, determination and P U R E tenacity. He taught me a lot about self employment.
Uncle Larry was a true creative and would construct the best fancy dress C O S T U M E S ever. He was also a ‘witler’ and he made standing stags out of wood that would adorn our fireplace, they weren’t brilliant but he taught me how to be brave and ‘have a go’ attitude.
Uncle Harry was a bus driver but also a prolific Taylor and made H A T S (peaky blinders eat your heart out!). One time I returned from school to find my Dad and Uncle Harry in the kitchen where Uncle Harry had fashioned a new hat. The fabric looked F A M I L I A R. It was only when I went to put my 1950’s vintage herringbone coat on that I realised there was a huge hole in the back of it! Not a happy bunny but again, taught me about R E C Y C L I N G and reusing.
I used to get on the bus for free so forgave him quickly!
There were always P A R T I E S happening and ‘The Gathering of the Clan’ as my Day would say … of course these were not my real Aunts & Uncles but it was the 70’s so everyone was F A M I L Y.
Gathering was important for me. I liked the excitement of staying up late, giggling until I wet myself and eating copious amounts of sweets. Bonfires were a huge part of my childhood and I was always mesmerised by the dancing flames and the stories that were woven into them… magical.
Louise, Scott and Adam were the children of my Uncles and Aunts and so we had good friendships, giggles and laughs, oh how we laughed!
It’s no surprise to me that I have ran several businesses that are all creatively moulded; fashion designer, hat maker, jewellery creator, retreat facilitator and creative business advisor so now of course why not open a Tiny Venue here is historical Ludlow to ‘Gather the Clan’ once more.
Gathering people, C O N N E C T I N G and sharing is key for humanity, harmony and a positive mental outlook … separation, isolation and fear prevent us from accessing one of our key need’s however, I believe we can have a good time with and without the aid of alcohol so for the majority of our T I N Y Events it will be soft drinks and healthy food, plenty of laughs and a place to meet new F R I E N D S at our sober events.
May the M U S I C, art and feasting begin!