Obituary: Frances Stone, 21 July 2018
Frances was a foundation member of the Wellington Embroiderers’ Guild, which started 16 June 1966. She was an outstanding and dedicated member right from the beginning, a dedicated textile artist providing help and guidance to many.
Before the Guild started she was a member of the Cathedral Linen Guild and an enthusiastic member of Betty Logan’s classes at Wellington High School, from which she enticed a number of people to join the Guild.
During her 52 years as a member of the Guild she was president twice, in 1996 and in 2012/2013. She served on the committee a number of times starting from 1969 and was the newsletter editor from 1975 to 1977. Life membership of the Guild was conferred on 9th April 2014.
Frances joined most groups that the Guild organises, for example the museum group, and taught a variety of classes. She was a speaker at guild at least once every ten years.
Frances was a member of the Wednesday Night Group, which
met for twenty years starting from the late 1970’s and this group made some beautiful items including quilts. Frances and the group were instrumental in making
a quilt for the Wellington Town Hall in 1984, based on the design of the floor tiles in the Town Hall. Frances managed to achieve all of this while running her own business, teaching music and bringing up a family.
Although Frances had been unwell for some time she still managed to attend meetings occasionally and even some Regional Workdays.
Our thoughts are with Harry and the family. LD
