At the initiative of the European Wool Exchange (EWE) Foundation, based in Cyprus, we marked the 5th European Wool Day this year. Through a hybrid and in-person event, the organisers aimed to highlight the numerous applications of wool – from agriculture to environmental sustainability and from traditional crafts to health and well-being.
On Sunday, 6 April, participants could join either in person in Rome or online.
Those attending in person gathered at the organic farm Ilaria Venturi Fendi on the outskirts of Rome, at I Casali del Pino. The central theme of the event was the use of wool for mental health and well-being.
This year’s gathering was aligned with the theme Wool 4 Health, featuring several specific focus areas:
- Wool for mental health
- Wool in medical care and therapy
- European sheep wool for sustainable health
- Therapeutic crafts
Various individuals and organisations from across Europe, including Greece, Ireland, Italy, Germany, Spain and others, presented their programmes and activities. Our study circles were also part of this diverse gathering.
Dr Lucija White, an expert associate at the Institute for Agriculture and Forestry Nova Gorica, delivered the Slovenian presentation. She highlighted our long-standing efforts to preserve traditional skills related to the processing and use of sheep wool in the Inner Carniola region. These are passed on through the content of study circles under my mentorship. In her presentation, Lucija praised our commitment to promoting the sustainable aspects of using local raw materials and traditional knowledge. She emphasised our willingness to share what we have learned at numerous events, where organisers warmly welcome us. As the Countess Greta’s spinners, we enrich a variety of events with engaging, intergenerational gatherings. In doing so, we pass on knowledge about domestic sheep wool to younger generations naturally and enjoyably.
The entire event can be viewed on YouTube. The recording is titled 5th European Wool Day. In the video, the presentation of my study circles can be found between 6:36:00 and 6:42:15.
Janja Urbiha (janja.urbiha@gmail.com), Study Circle Mentor