Country crafts go on show

THE Ballarat District Group of the Country Woman’s Association is set to hold its Art & Craft Exhibition this Friday and Saturday.

Made up of the creative works of CWA members from the 13 branches in the district, group president Rosalie Silvery invited everyone to come and enjoy all the exhibition has to offer.

“There’ll be a variety of arts and crafts, cooking, preserves and photography,” she said.

“A number of groups organise specific activities that different age groups can participate in. There is also a junior section for homecrafts.”

Normally the exhibition is held every two years but was postponed in 2020 due to COVID.

Items showcased are by members from the 13 branches in the Ballarat District Group which extends from Scarsdale to Daylesford and Ballarat to Melton.

The exhibition is divided into 20 sections including, knitting, crochet, dressmaking, canvas work, bags, beadwork, embroidery, patchwork, soft toys, dolls, photography, floral art, preserves, cookery, junior members, gentlemen and challenges.

But it’s not just the work of country women on show, as men are able to compete in some events too.

“The gentleman can participate in wood working or knit crochet squares for the blankets we make,” Ms Silvery said.

Members compete for individual trophies, prize cards, and special awards with entries assessed by qualified CWA judges.

Many of the crafts that CWA members make are for more than show, with some items passed along to groups and charities in the region.

“Things like crochet blankets and soft toys are supplied by us to wherever needs them, places like Eureka Mums or overseas” Ms Silvery said.

“A number of branches make breast care kits for the Cancer Centre in Ballarat. They consist of a pillow and purse that they can store bottles of chemo.”

The CWA’s Art & Craft Exhibition is set for Creswick Town Hall on Friday, 30 April between 10am and 5pm and Saturday, 1 May, 10am to 6pm.

Admission is $5 per person and funds raised will go towards continued support of women and families across Australia.