Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers

The Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers is a volunteer-run craft guild based in Norfolk, England, dedicated to the traditional textile crafts of weaving, spinning and dyeing. It takes its name from the parish of Worstead, historically famous for its worsted cloth, and operates from The Weavers Workshop in the village of Dilham. The Guild is a registered charity in the United Kingdom (Charity No: 1144939) and a member of The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers. The Guild's activities centre on regular practical sessions where members learn, develop and practise their skills. Sessions are held on Tuesday mornings and afternoons, Wednesday mornings, and Saturday mornings and afternoons at the Dilham workshop. Guild members pay £2.00 per session, while guests are welcome for up to two sessions at the same rate before membership becomes a requirement. The Guild maintains a specialist library and is well equipped with floor looms, table looms, rigid heddle, inkle and peg looms, as well as spinning equipment. Spinning wheels are usually available, though many members prefer to bring their own. Membership is open to all who subscribe to the Guild's aims, whether beginners or experts. Full membership costs £17.50 for six months, with a reduced rate of £8.00 for those under 16 years of age. The Guild also engages in public outreach, giving demonstrations and hands-on sessions at local events such as the Worstead Festival, and runs workshops for would-be spinners, weavers and dyers. It encourages young people to learn the crafts through participation in Guild events and partnership working with educational establishments. The Guild's stated aims are to provide a friendly atmosphere for learning and practising the skills for which Worstead is famous; to expand public awareness of the history and practice of these crafts; to support community learning; and to encourage young people to take up the crafts and study their heritage. The Guild is governed by a committee, with Lorraine Hunter serving as Chair, Claire Sutton as Vice-Chair, and Ruth George as Treasurer. It also maintains policies on data protection, health and safety, safeguarding, code of conduct, and equality and diversity. The Guild hosts Woolly Weekend, a public event that has become a fixture in its calendar. The 2026 edition took place with the support of vendors and visitors, and dates for Woolly Weekend 2027 are to be confirmed. The Guild's official website provides information on sessions, membership, policies and events, and serves as the primary point of contact for enquiries.

The Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers is a volunteer group based in Worstead, Norfolk, UK, as described by Wikidata. The Guild takes its name from the parish of Worstead, which has historically been famous for its worsted cloth. The Guild operates as a registered charity (No. 1144939) and is a member of The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners & Dyers. It is based at The Weavers Workshop in Dilham, Norfolk. The Guild's history is rooted in the textile heritage of Norfolk. Worstead was a major centre for the production of worsted cloth in the medieval period, and the Guild was established to keep these traditional skills alive. While the exact founding date is not documented in the available evidence, the Guild has been active in the community, offering regular sessions, workshops and public demonstrations. Over the years, the Guild has expanded its activities to include public outreach, such as demonstrations at the Worstead Festival and other local events, and hands-on sessions for the public. It has also developed a specialist library and acquired a range of equipment, including floor looms, table looms, rigid heddle, inkle and peg looms, and spinning equipment. The Guild encourages young people to learn the crafts through participation in Guild events and partnership working with educational establishments. The Guild hosts Woolly Weekend, an event that brings together vendors and visitors. The 2026 edition was held successfully, and planning for 2027 is underway. The Guild continues to be run by a committee, with Lorraine Hunter as Chair, Claire Sutton as Vice-Chair, and Ruth George as Treasurer. Membership is open to all, with sessions held multiple times a week at the Dilham workshop.

• Woolly Weekend 2026 held

• Woolly Weekend 2027 dates to be confirmed

A community-focused, volunteer-run craft guild preserving traditional textile skills in Norfolk.

• Weaving workshops

  Hands-on sessions teaching weaving skills.

• Spinning workshops

  Hands-on sessions teaching spinning skills.

• Dyeing workshops

  Hands-on sessions teaching dyeing skills.

• Woolly Weekend

  A public event featuring vendors and activities related to weaving, spinning and dyeing.

1. 1Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers, Englandworsteadweavers.org.uk
2. 2About Us | Worstead Weaversworsteadweavers.org.uk
3. 3Worstead Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers - Wikidatawikidata.org