What is the embroiderers' guild?
It is a world wide organisation that has 238 branches in the UK.
There are 35 branches in Scotland and 98 young embroiderers' groups. Our branch has about 28 members. We have workshops, demonstrations, exhibitions and talks to promote and encourage embroidery.

Are most of the members elderly?
They are mainly retired but we recently had three younger members who came along.
We don't have a young embroiderers' group in this area. It would be nice to have one but we don't have the resources as we don't have a big enough branch.
We would like to encourage more young people to get involved. You don't have to be good with a needle and thread to take part.

Do you think people have misconceptions about embroidery?
Yes. They think it's about old women doing set patterns, but it has moved on a lot. We use different types of materials, thread and mixed media like paint. It is a lot more creative than people think.
We do other things like applique, stencilling and beadwork as well.

How did you get involved?
I had a big interest in sewing and used to make clothes for my children.
I did an embroidery course at Cardonald College when I retired and it was a real eye opener for me on what embroidery could be.
I really enjoy it and find it quite therapeutic and relaxing.

How often do you meet?
We meet on Wednesday evenings, fortnightly. We are finished for the season but meetings start again in September.

What did you do in your working life?
When I left school and studied music. I taught music privately then moved on and did secretarial work.
I worked in the civil service for the Ministry of Defence in the ballistics department in Milton of Campsie. After that I worked as a legal secretary. They were both really interesting jobs.
I was also involved with the Chamber of Commerce in Glasgow and helped set up the
branch in Cumbernauld.

What instruments do you play?
Piano, but I don't play much any


more as I have arthritis.

How did you get involved in motorsport?
My brother was a rally driver and my dad was mad about cars so there was a family interest.
I worked for the Royal Scottish Automobile Club and through their motorsport branch I got involved with driving in the 90s.
I tried it for a laugh for comic relief and I became hooked - it was my real passion. I was the Esso Scottish Rally Champion for my class in 1992.

What is people's reactions when you tell them about your motorsport career?
Shock and surprise - they don't believe me!

Do you still take part in motorsport?
I don't drive any more but I'm still involved with the sport and go along to rallies and help out. I miss the excitement and the adrenaline. It's a great rush when you are sitting at the start of a stage waiting to go - both exhilarating and terrifying.

Were you the only woman to take part in the 90s?
No - there were three of us in Scotland, but it is a very male dominated sport.

Do you have any other hobbies?
I enjoy listening to classical music and going to concerts such as the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
I enjoy keeping up with motorsport on TV and watch programmes like Top Gear.

Do you have any ambitions?
I would like to try more creative things like painting and meet some of the top embroiderers and have a workshop with them.

Getting to know you
First car: Blue mini
First record: Something by Bach, I have always loved classical music
Book currently reading: A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini
Favourite TV programme: Eastenders or The Apprentice
Favourite holiday destination: Tuscany, Italy
Famous person most like to meet: Italian opera singer Cecilia Bartoli

For more information about The Kirkintilloch Branch of the Embroiderers' Guild email eleanorcordiner@ntlworld.com.