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Anguilla Craft Group History

Dedicated crafts women create saleable items to raise money for worth while organizations devoted to the youth of Anguilla.

In 1989 the Governor's wife at the time, Mrs. Whittaker invited a group of
ladies to meet and exchange ideas on different crafts. The idea flourished
and craft sales were held raising money which was donated to the Girl
Guides and the Rotary Club for it's Playground Project. Two of the original
members of that initial meeting are still in the group. Mary Lou Cummings
and Audrey Brooks have since over the years been joined by many talented
women from all over the world. The Club has continued to produce crafts,
sell them at their fairs and donate the proceeds to many worthy causes.
They held a two week art workshop in Island Harbour an also sponsored a
summer youth camp program, purchased art supplies, and teacher manuals for
island schools. Recently they donated US0 to the under 15 cricket team
coached by Cardigan Connor for uniforms and equipment. A further US0 was
donated to Michael Fleming, Police Youth Officer at Albena Lake Hodge
Comprehensive School, who runs a social outreach program and provides books,
lunches and other items to needy children. Ryan Groves from Blowing Point
also received US0 for his Amy's Bakery Challenge Group Quiz Program which
he runs in Blowing Point. The funds will be used for prizes for his weekly
quiz program. The Craft group is also committed to helping the new book
Island Harbour Exchange Program organized by Mrs. Olive Hodge and Mrs. Pansy
Richardson. This will provide children six to sixteen with books to improve
their reading skills. Junior Fleming in an effort to raise an appreciation
of the underwater sea life and the need to protect this resource has
undertaken to instill this awareness in another of the island's greatest
resource - it's children. Approximately 120 6th graders met at Shoal Bay to
explore the mysteries of the deep on Junior's Glass bottom boat and the
diving boat using equipment obtained from donations received from friends
and companies in the United States and Anguilla including the Craft Group.
The group meets every Wednesday morning at the Anguilla Craft Center,
courtesy of the National Council of Women. All are welcome to bring your
ideas and help with the many on going projects.

Every year the craft group displays their handmade items at Government House. The Anguilla Craft Group holds a fair on the lawn of Govt. House to offer for sale items created by the group. These hand crafted items along with displays by local artists and other community groups make for a full day of entertainment. Proceeds from the fair go to various youth organizations on Anguilla.

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