AS part of the warm spaces initiative Otley sewing collective will be offering free make your own draught excluder sessions at Beech Hill Church on alternative Wednesdays from 10am to 1pm, starting on January 25th, 2023.

Andi Petch, chair of the sewing collective said: “In our first community initiative of the year we are aiming to take a much-maligned domestic object - the draught excluder and transform it into a highly desirable addition for the home.

"All people need to do is come to Beech Hill Church on Wednesday 25th January for 10am and bring your creativity. Members of the collective will be there to help you with your designs. Whether you want something sleek and chic, an adorable dachshund, or a sparkling draught sabre we have everything you need.

"There will be  5 sessions in total and people should be able to complete a draught excluder in the three hour session. If they have not completed it we are happy for them to take it  home to finish or they are welcome to come back to complete it at another session. We would encourage people to get involved and make a draught excluder for a relative or friend or to donate to people who need them." 

This is a free activity funded by the warm spaces initiative. Draught excluders can help reduce fuel bills and keep your home warm. With excluders selling from £8 -£149 online this is a great opportunity to have some fun, save some money and keep warm.

Andi added: "Otley Sewing collective currently has space for new members. We meet at Beech hill Church on the first Saturday morning of the month from 11am to 1pm and the third Wednesday evening of each month from 7pm to 9pm.

"Members bring their own projects to work on and can become involved with the community initiatives we run. Last year we made the bunting for the Queen’s Jubilee, ran workshops at Otley Wildlife Festival and entered our first Christmas tree competition. We have fabric at reduced prices, haberdashery supplies and sewing machines and overlockers for members to use.

"Whether you are an experienced sewer or wanting to learn please come along or get in touch. Facebook @OtleySewingCollective or email ajfpetch@gmail.com.

"We are now a part of the U3A and our sessions are £3 plus the subscription fee to the U3A. This provides access to all the groups and activities they offer. They are currently offering a half price (£7:50) subscription for those joining from January through to April 2023."