VE 80 Celebrations
4 June 2025
The VE 80 celebrations in Shrewsbury were a poignant and heartfelt tribute to those who contributed to securing peace and freedom. Master Draper Nancy Sykes-Waller
Today the Guild is a modern, volunteer-led organisation dedicated to community services. As well as continuing to develop and run almshouses for the benefit of our residents, we preserve and maintain a historical guildhall and continue the Drapers’ traditions. We encourage textile design and education with an annual textile design competition for both adults and students.
There are approximately 75 members or Freemen, of whom about 50 are actively engaged in volunteering for the company. Freemen are invited to join on the basis of their willingness and ability to volunteer.
Almshouses are safe, comfortable and affordable homes for people in their later years. There are 51 Almshouses spread over 4 sites in Shrewsbury, Drapers Place, Fairford Place, St Giles and Holy Cross, and another site in Newport.
Each year, Shrewsbury Drapers Company host a textile competition, it honours their origins which were founded on Shropshire’s world-renowned wool trade as far back as the 1400’s. The competition promotes textile education, celebrates creativity, and showcases the talent of entrants aged 11 and above.
Judges from across the industry select winners, who receive a range of prizes. Their work then goes on public display in the Shrewsbury library. The most prestigious prize is the Jackie Ryan Memorial Award, established in 2016. Open to students aged 16–22, it offers a two-week placement at Tweedmill to design a woollen throw or blanket, taken through to production to become part of the Tweedmill range.
The guildhall, built in 1585; a typical Shrewsbury half-timbered building, is run as a restaurant and boutique hotel. Visit RHUBARB at Drapers Hall
The VE 80 celebrations in Shrewsbury were a poignant and heartfelt tribute to those who contributed to securing peace and freedom. Master Draper Nancy Sykes-Waller
The Installation Banquet for the Worshipful Livery Company of Wales, held on April 5th, marked the first official event attended by the newly installed Master
A Memorable Evening at Merchant Taylors’ Hall Nancy Sykes-Waller, accompanied by Clerk Lyndsey O’Loughlin, had the honour of being a guest of Mrs. Claire Wesley,
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Last night our generous Master, Nancy Sykes-Waller, welcomed us into her beautiful home for a wonderful Advent Drinks Reception to celebrate the season of light and the start of Christmas. 🎄✨
It was an evening filled with music, cheer, and great company — a perfect chance for Drapers to enjoy the social side of our fraternity and to invite friends, family, and potential new members to experience the warmth and camaraderie of the Company.
The event also marked the launch of the new Master’s Charity Fund, created to support the Drapers’ almshouses and to help local charities whose values reflect our own. Through this fund, we look forward to strengthening our community outreach and raising the profile of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company across the town and county. 💙 ... See MoreSee Less
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On Monday, I had the honour of attending the signing of the Armed Forces Covenant at Refresh, the fantastic café at Severn Hospice. It was wonderful to see so many service veterans, their friends, and families come together for such a meaningful moment.
Wing Commander Patrick Durnin, Commander of RAF Shawbury, signed the Covenant on behalf of the armed forces. We were also joined by past and present High Sheriffs, the Mayor of Shrewsbury, and our own Master of the Shrewsbury Drapers Company, Nancy Sykes-Waller.
The Armed Forces Covenant is a promise to value and support our armed forces community — recognising the contributions of serving personnel, reservists, veterans and military families to our businesses, communities, and country.
A festive highlight: many ex-servicemen proudly sporting their Christmas jumpers, adding warmth and cheer to a memorable occasion. 🎄💙
#ArmedForcesCovenant #severnhospice #shrewsburymayor #HighSheriffOfShropshire ... See MoreSee Less
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