Songs, Threads and Yarns

A summer holiday at Halsway Manor in which to share textile crafting skills, songs and stories, with host Meg Rose and musician-in-residence, Sarah Matthews.

The week presents a unique opportunity to develop your own craft projects in a supportive and convivial atmosphere, working with your hands whilst exploring related aspects of folk music, song and story telling. This is not an instructional course though presentations on various topics of interest and techniques are programmed throughout the week. The emphasis will be on learning from each other by show and tell, and there will be free time to walk and relax too.

Who is it for?

The week is aimed at textile crafters and artists of any level of experience – complete beginners, happy hobbyists, dedicated professional and anyone in between – who would like a few days in a lovely setting to develop their craft project, share their skills and learn from others.

You do not have to be a singer, musician or storyteller, but if you are please bring your instruments, songs and stories to share – anything craft-related especially well received!

We would also like to make it absolutely clear that, while many of these crafts are associated with women and women’s work, ALL are welcome!

The Team

Meg Rose has taught mixed crafts for many years and also has a long association with Halsway Manor, including hosting many singing courses.

Sarah Matthews has been playing the violin since she was very young, and developed a keen interest in English, French and Swedish dance tunes and English song. She has a love of playing for dancing, developing rich harmony lines and composing her own songs and dance tunes within the traditional genre. At the end of 2021 she published her first tune book of her own compositions.

Sarah has performed regularly across the English Festival and Club scene for decades, and has toured in Ontario, Canada between 2006 and 2016, with many different line-ups playing for concert and ceilidh dance events, making numerous CD recordings along the way. Over the years, she has played with Nancy Kerr, Lucy Ward, Doug Eunson, David Gibb, Elly Lucas, Cupola, Cupola:Ward, DanceCupola, The Rattlers, Bill Jones, Moirai, Jo May, Cross o'th Hands, storyteller Maria Whatton, Narthen and now Sāwol.  She was invited to teach at the highly esteemed Folkworks in July 2018, and has run numerous fiddle and harmony song workshops at festivals over the years. A long-standing tutor of the fiddle, she loves sharing musical ideas and engaging students with an infectious enthusiasm, sharing techniques and is passionate about harmony singing and playing.

Sarah works with storytellers, folk musicians, folk collaboratives such as FOLK3D and dance groups, works alongside festival directors at Derby, Upton and Shrewsbury Folk Festival, and has trained and worked as a Healthcare Musician since 2010 with OPUS Music CIC. She regularly makes music at seven different healthcare settings across the East Midlands. She is passionate about and committed to the belief that music connects people on multiple levels and can be powerfully transformative for all ages. She is a great communicator and has training in BSL and Makaton sign language, and has a deep understanding of the importance of place, community and connection through music-making.

Sarah also loves to colour and craft, knitting and stitching, never following a pattern! For this week she will bring down her favourite paper flower making kit and let others make some to take home with them. And she would really love to learn how to crochet properly! Sarah will be joined by her duo partner Doug, who will be bringing his wonderful voice and melodeon along.