Seventy years of sewing will be celebrated on Saturday with an exhibition of the Reading branch of the Embroiderer's Guild.

The Park United Reformed Church will be turned into exhibition hall to display dozens of material works of art on Saturday, October 17.

From 1:30p people will be able to view needlework completed by members of the branch over the decades and there will be craft stalls selling needlework and craft items, as well as refreshments including a celebratory cake.

The special guest is Lindsay Taylor an embroiderer who specialises in three dimensional work, and entrance to the exhibition is £5 on the door.

The Berkshire branch was formed by a group of men and women who were keen on sewing and met in a café in Broad Street, Reading, in October 1945. Over the years, the meeting place has moved around including The Friends Meeting House in the centre of Reading. The group currently meet once or twice a month at Park United Reformed Church. For the fortieth anniversary in 1985, they presented a panel to the Civic Centre (pictured) this was worked on by Molly Taylor and Jane Wood.

A spokesman for the group said: "Over the years, the branch in Reading was joined by branches in Wokingham, Windsor and Maidenhead and so has changed its name from Berkshire to Reading Branch.

"The Reading branch is always looking for new members from people who love creating with needles, threads and textiles to the newcomer looking for advice and encouragement. "If you are interested, why not give them a try, share your interest with like-minded people or let them help you teach your child or grandchild. So that they can appreciate stitching and textiles in the same way you do."

People are invited to come along to the exhibition and meet the members, or alternatively come along to one of the afternoon talks on the last Wednesday of the month at Park United Reformed Church between 1.10pm and 3.15pm. The group also has classes prior to the meetings and workshops throughout the year that you can book onto. Further information is on their website www.embroiderersguildreading.org.uk