PIMMS. The drink of summer. Who doesn’t like it? It’s fizzy, fun and refreshing, a bit like the women’s group that shares its moniker, the hugely successful Pimms and Needles. And like Pimms, the group has its fruity moments, too – on evenings when the needles are set aside in favour of life art classes.

“That’s always a bit of a fun session,” laughs founder Charlotte Pyrah. “There are a few blushes at first, but by the end of the session the novelty has usually worn off. We have had a few male models, some more hunky than others!”

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Charlotte set up the group with Donna Feeney, after the pair met on a sewing class that Charlotte was teaching at the Mustard Tree Café, in Hurworth, near Darlington. Over six weeks the group of ten met to sew, laugh and put the world to rights.

“We found the sewing classes such a tonic,” says Donna. “We lead such busy lives, it was great to take some time out and enjoy doing something creative. We used to joke that it was like being in Downton Abbey; we’d sit and drink tea like Lady Mary whilst working on our embroidery.”

What would Lady Mary make of the life drawing, though? Or the bellydancing? Or the self-defence classes? In the two years since Charlotte and Donna met, the sewing class has evolved into something much bigger and more inclusive, and now involves much more than needlework and Pimms.

“At the end of the course, we just didn’t want it to end and discussed setting up our own little craft group, where we could do something new each month,” explains Donna. “Charlotte also wanted to enjoy learning new skills, so we discussed doing different fun activities too, things we’ve always wanted to try.”

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The original plan had been to launch their own branch of the WI, but the women decided to go their own way instead. After four successful sessions, members chose to say independent and voted for Charlotte and Donna to continue doing what they were good at: organising convivial and creative escapism that could be enjoyed over a good cup of tea. The name came about during a brainstorm; they were very nearly Gins & Needles. The original group was called Stitch and Bitch, but while the odd sarcastic comment might escape, it’s mostly larks and laughter now.

It’s a recipe that’s going down well. Already, there are twelve Pimms and Needles groups in the region, and new groups were recently launched in Richmond (Gilling West Village Hall on the first Thursday of the month) and Bishop Auckland (Escomb Village Hall on the third Friday).

“I’ll never forget our first night,” says Charlotte. “We set up a Facebook page and booked the Mustard Tree Café, expecting 20 to 30 women to come along. When we opened the door, the queue was down the street and we had 75 join up. We had messages from others who wanted to join so decided to set up another group in Darlington. That one sold out before it even started and we have just gone from there really.”

Joining costs £54 for six months, and everything is provided, although participants might occasionally need to bring along an apron or gardening gloves. As for activities, members are free to suggest them, then Donna and Charlotte look into their feasibility and find a tutor. In the next couple of months, a Mrs Hinch/Marie Kondo home cleaning and organising session and a self-defence class are planned.

“We did a floral painting session recently, where we painted using pipettes and splodgy inks and I loved how relaxing it was,” says Donna. “I also loved belly dancing. I have two left feet but as long as you kept shimmying and shaking the coin belt, it didn’t matter too much what else you were doing.”

Donna loves a dancing session, too, “especially the Strictly-themed session with Dance Wright Studio. I also love food and we had a great session where we made chutney and tasted cheese. Mmmm, delicious!”

Initially, the aim was to engage women, like Charlotte and Donna, who had busy, stressful lives and needed some “me time”. Now, of the 60-odd women who come to each event, some come on their own, some in groups; there are mums and daughters, retirees, and newcomers to the area who want to make friends.

“We love the challenge of keeping it fresh and expanding to meet demand,” says Donna. “And we get such great feedback about the impact it has on people’s lives.”

Charlotte agrees. “The response has been amazing,” she says. “My youngest son was only six months old when we launched the first group and I needed to get out and do something for myself.”

But what about the Pimms? The women admit they do like to indulge.

“I love it. It reminds me hot sunny summer days and what’s not to love about that?” says Charlotte.

“With all of the fruit, it’s practically a health drink, isn’t it?,” laughs Donna. “But I do love a good G&T too. And yes, we have had a gin tasting session.”

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DONNA FEENEY

Donna Feeney, 41, from Guisborough, lives with partner Chris, his two children, and four-month-old cockapoo Daisy. Her career has been a mix of creativity and business, working in sales and marketing, as well as running a successful upcycling business called Totes Adore for five years, making giftware from glass bottles.

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CHARLOTTE PYRAH

Charlotte Pyrah, 36, lives in Croft village just outside of Darlington with her husband, two little boys, and Alfie the dog. She is a textile designer, teacher and author of six craft books. “One of the cushiest jobs I’ve ever had was working on cruise ships as a craft instructor. Crafting in the Barbados sunshine was definitely a high point!”

  • Pimms and Needles are partnering with Rockcliffe Hall, near Darlington, this autumn to hold Crafternoon Teas. There is also an embroidery workshop at the luxury hotel on September 15 and a candle-making workshop on October 6.
  • W: pimmsandneedles.co.uk
  • E: hello@pimmsandneedles.co.uk
  • W: rockliffehall.com