Memorial for Ralda Williamson

Ralda Williamson 9/5/38 - 10/8/17

Ralda joined Rangiora Woolcraft Group in 1989.  She was an accomplished spinner, knitter, crotcheter, and amazing felter.  Ralda did numerous courses, some with overseas tutors, in spinning, felting, colour and freeform crotchet. She then went on to teach felting, natural and cold pad dyeing, felt and flax flowers and knitted bags, freely sharing her knowledge.

Ralda put in numerous entries in A&P Shows all over Canterbury and won many prizes sometimes winning the prize for the most placings over the handspun and knitting sections. She also helped at shows.  Ralda entered items in National, Area and Local Exhibitions. She had a National Exhibition item selected for a travelling suitcase.  She represented our group on the Prosser Quirk Art Exhibition Committee for number of years until it was wound up. All the time encouraging us to enter Exhibitions and the Rangiora Show even if it was a skein of wool.  As Secretary Ralda set group challenges. Two years in a row she set the task of making small dolls for St. John trauma children.

Ralda previously belonged to the Christchurch Guild. Also to Southern Felters and Amberley representing them and Rangiora as delegate to Canterbury Area meetings, until she was too sick to attend.  Ralda was a foundation member of Wool Yarns & Fibres from 1989 working as Co-Manager and then supplier till February 2011 earthquake when the shop was closed.  In Rangiora she started up a "Keep Breathing" exercise group for people with breathing difficulties.

In a previous life Ralda was a Gymnastic teacher and judge.  Ralda was the most talented Craftswomen I've ever known.  Ralda will be sadly missed by all who knew her.

Janet Pearson

Rangiora Group, Creative Fibre

Our Southern Felters' banner which was made by the whole group at one of our Glenroy retreats.  Ralda kindly supplied the cream-coloured batt the letters are on.  Ralda is in the photo taken at one of our regular felting days.

Ralda  at Southern Felters last Glenroy retreat.  She is diligently making felt
needle cases for the give away bags at the recent Creative Fibre Festival in Christchurch.