It would be true to say that the livelihood of many a Welsh person was dependent on spinning and weaving in the late 19^th century. The history of the wool industry goes back much further though. It therefore seems most apt that a celebration of Welsh art and craft should include a member of the Crickhowell Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers. Gill Jones will be demonstrating the spinning of alpaca wool in the oriel cric gallery on St David’s Day. Alpaca is a warm, soft, light-weight and lustrous fibre celebrated for its hypoallergenic qualities and myriad of natural colours. The work of multi talented artist Susie Vaughan, member of the Makers Guild in Wales is currently being displayed in the gallery. She will be demonstrating her skill as a basket weaver of some renown. Susie truly embraces the fruit of the Welsh landscape as she collects on her daily walks in the Welsh countryside which is her source of inspiration. None of the materials in the baskets are dyed ­ they are all the natural colours of the barks of many different species. The demonstrations will take place in the oriel cric gallery on the 1 March between 10.30 and 4pm in celebration of St David’s Day and in support of the annual Crickhowell Walking Festival.