The National Centre for Craft & Design - 10 proud years in Lincolnshire

July 24, 2013 - PRLog -- Over 1400 visitors enjoyed a free fun afternoon of activity at the National Centre for Craft and Design.  The NCCD has been open for 10 years, and celebrated by throwing a party for Sleaford residents and visitors.

Councillor Marion Brighton spoke about how the NCCD came into being and how beneficial it is for Sleaford, saying “over the past decade three quarters of a million people have visited the NCCD”. Brian Ashby, a director of the Arts Council for England, echoed her, saying how important it is for an enterprise like the NCCD to be “embedded in a local area like Sleaford”, rather than in a big city as frequently happens, because of the benefits it brings economically and culturally to the local community.  Clare Edwards, Director of the NCCD, said “our local audience will always be essential to us and we are as proud as ever to be rooted in this beautiful building, in Sleaford, in Lincolnshire”.  

The NCCD’s new exhibition “Growing” was officially opened and pronounced a huge success by everyone, including Rosy Greenlees, Director of the Craft Council.  It is open until 29 September.

During the afternoon, Make and Take stalls were incredibly popular, with queues forming to try out making Aimee Betts rope-work adornments, Helen Snell’s paper boat sculptures  and Anna Collette-Hunt’s ceramics plaques.  Naseem Derby’s amazing machine embroideries caught everyone’s attention just inside the front door. Other activities included badge-making, and crochet with Anna Krystyna Casey.

Local acoustic singer and guitarist Elliot Morris, guitarist Neal O’Grady and a jazz pianist and saxophonist entertained the crowds with music all afternoon.  Dancers from Sleaford’s Go Dance academy delighted visitors with a 1920s show number.  Betsey the vintage ice-cream van delivered a constant stream of delicious ice-cream cones, and the Rhubarb Theatre crew kept everyone amused with a series of skits and story-telling.  Thanks to everyone who came and made it such a great afternoon!

Look out for the NCCD’s next event, “Gifted 13”, a craft fair which takes place on Saturday 30 November.  Come and buy your Christmas presents!