Sewing on the Front Line

Presented by The Action Medical Research Spalding Committee.

Neil or the “Sewing Soldier” was a finalist in the 3rd episode of the Great British Sewing Bee. He has been sewing and knitting since he was 8 years old and has made everything from Wedding dresses to sniper suits.

He joined the Army at the age of 18, passing through Sandhurst and then completing an engineering degree. Whilst his early years were spent playing rugby and skiing, his job has seen him serve on operations all over the world.

Throughout his career sewing has always been a part of his life; his sewing machine went with him to Northern Ireland and Bosnia and his sewing skills were put to good use on several occasions in Afghanistan, including teaching Afghan women to sew. He has used knitting to calm down after rugby matches, has taught sewing to homeless veterans and was the costume “mistress” for his son’s prep school production of the Sound of Music.

He passionately believes in the therapeutic power of creation, and sewing projects have helped him during some very demanding and stressful times on operations. He is still serving in the Army and is currently based at the Army Headquarters working in the field of Cyber Defence “Sewing on the Front Line”.

Neil will talk about his own experiences and how his sewing skills have been put to good use on the front line in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Northern Ireland, he will also talk about the less dangerous but just as challenging experience of being a reality TV contestant on the Great British Sewing Bee.

At The Cambridge Suite. Arrive at 12 for a 12:30 sit down.

Tickets available from:

Tracy on 07766077911 or

AND

Pennie on 07779289422 or