As part of The Jane Austen Fan Club project, we’re running ‘craft, cake and chat' workshops to celebrate Jane Austen’s 250th birthday in 2025, and explore questions of gender, relationships and money today. We’re also hosting birthday parties for Jane - after all, it’s not every year you turn 250!
Have a go at embroidery, enjoy a cuppa and join in the chat. Whether you're an embroidery expert, or have never picked up a needle - everyone is welcome. We'll learn simple embroidery techniques, create designs inspired by Jane Austen, and use 'subversive stitching' to explore the question: how much has really changed for women in 250 years? The embroidery created in the workshops will be collected to become part of a massive textile banner, which will form part of the set for ‘The Jane Austen Fan Club' touring theatre show, before becoming a gallery exhibition in 2026.
You can come to lots of workshops, or just one. You can come to the party, even if you haven’t been to a workshop. If you have access needs, or have any questions please contact victoria.briggs@hotmail.co.uk. If there's something we can do to make it easier for you to take part, do let us know.
Workshops are supported by Arts Council England, Culture in Common, Salisbury City Council, Hampshire Libraries, Gosport Creates, and Forest Forge Theatre.
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Jane Austen's Birthday Party @ Bridgemary Library, Gosport
16/12/25 7-9PM
A fun and frivolous evening to celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen, in partnership with Hampshire Libraries and Gosport Creates.
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Jane Austen's Birthday Party @ Bemerton Heath Community Centre
15/12/25 1-3.30pm
A fun and frivolous evening to celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen, in partnership with Kaleidoscope Group, supported by Salisbury City Council.
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Jane Austen's Birthday Party @ Forest Forge, Ringwood
12/12/25 7-9PM
A fun and frivolous evening to celebrate 250 years of Jane Austen, in partnership with Forest Forge, supported by Culture in Common.
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Embroidery @ Bridgemary Library, Gosport
11/12/25 7-9PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Hampshire Libraries and Gosport Creates.
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Embroidery @ Ringwood Library
11/12/25 2-4PM
Community Embroidery Workshops in partnership with Hampshire Libraries, supported by Culture in Common.
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Embroidery @ Bridgemary Library, Gosport
9/12/25 7-9PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Hampshire Libraries and Gosport Creates.
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Embroidery @ Bemerton Heath Community Centre
8/12/25 1-3.30PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Kaleidoscope Group, supported by Salisbury City Council.
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Embroidery @ Bridgemary Library, Gosport
4/12/25 7-9PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Hampshire Libraries and Gosport Creates.
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Embroidery @ Ringwood Library
4/12/25 2-4PM
Community Embroidery Workshops in partnership with Hampshire Libraries, supported by Culture in Common.
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Embroidery @ Bridgemary Library, Gosport
2/12/25 7-9PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Hampshire Libraries and Gosport Creates.
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Embroidery @ CODA Christmas Market
29/11/25 10AM-4PM
Community Embroidery drop-in, in partnership with CODA Music and Arts Trust.
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Embroidery @ Ringwood Library
27/11/25 2-4PM
Community Embroidery Workshops in partnership with Hampshire Libraries, supported by Culture in Common.
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Embroidery @ Bemerton Heath Community Centre
24/11/25 1-3.30PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Kaleidoscope Group, supported by Salisbury City Council.
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Embroidery @ Forest Forge, Ringwood
14/11/25 6.30-9PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Forest Forge Theatre Company, supported by Culture in Common.
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Embroidery @ Bemerton Heath Community Centre
10/11/25 1-3.30PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Kaleidoscope Group, supported by Salisbury City Council.
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Embroidery @ Bemerton Heath Community Centre
3/11/25 1-3.30PM
Community Embroidery Workshop in partnership with Kaleidoscope Group, supported by Salisbury City Council.