SPINNING There are a number of spinners within the Guild. In addition to the regular monthly Guild meetings, a Spinners Group meets at Pearson Hall, Sonning on alternate Wednesday mornings (10 am - 1 pm). Full details of dates for 2008 are: January 2nd, 16th & 30th February 13th & 27th March 12th & 26th April 9th & 23rd May 7th & 21st June 4th & 18th July 2nd, 16th & 30th August 13th & 27th September 10th & 24th October 8th & 22nd November 5th & 19th December 3rd The Guild holds a wide range of spinning equipment which is available for hire. This includes spinning wheels, bobbins and lazy kates. The Guilds also has a drum carder available at the Spinning Group Meetings for bulk carding. Often for a beginner this is the most cost-effective way of trying out the craft before laying out any expenses. In addition the Library collection carries some very useful reference resources in the way of books and pamphlets. Spinning materials are either obtainable through the membership or details of suppliers are listed on the Guild Notice Boards which are displayed at each meeting. Through either of these means it's possible to obtain fleece, silk, flax and cotton as well as the luxury fibres such as llama, mohair and alpaca. Spinning of both alternative animal fibres as well as plant fibres holds a great attraction for Guild members and a reference file has been started in which members are encouraged to provide samples of the diverse fibre they use. Other equipment used by spinners are carders. These are substantial combs or brushes of various types - some are hand held others are table-top size. These are used to prepare fibre for spinning. Again carders of various types are available for hire through the Guild.