We were all saddened to hear the news of Gordon who passed away peacefully on Saturday 12th August, at Henleigh Hall Care Home, following a long term in hospital. Gordon, a past committee member, was a longstanding and most dedicated member of our Guild, and this year it was decided unanimously that he be given Honorary Life Membership. He took part in all our skills of spinning, weaving and dyeing, and was an experienced knitter – most must remember his famous knitted braces! Over past years we enjoyed seeing many examples of his finished handiwork during our meetings. Latterly, when his sight began to fail, his Drop Spindle worked overtime, and solely by “feel”, he produced from it, consistent lengths of yarn. Gordon was a skilled linguist – fluent in Russian – and was one of the first members of the Sheffield-Donetsk Kruzhok, where he was active in promoting friendship & goodwill between these twinned cities. He also had a great love of classical music and was quick to identify composers and their works on hearing the shortest of passages. I’m sure we all agree that Gordon was a perfect Gentleman, an inspiration to us all, and it has been a privilege to know him. He will be greatly missed.
