At the official opening of the Peak Hill Art and Craft Exhibition last Friday were Ann McI-ntyre, who received her Life Membership badge for her support of the Leisure Centre, guest speaker May Chandler and president Maria George.
There was a buzz of positivity in Peak Hill over the long weekend when around 400 visitors attended the various events of the 49th Annual Arts and Craft Exhibition.
“It was a fabulous weekend,” said a very happy and satisfied Judi Unger, secretary of the Peak Hill Leisure Centre. She said not only did the local community and businesses get behind the event, but many visitors from as far as Victoria stopped to have a look with so much happening in the main street. “I have never seen so many cars, it felt like the old days.”
She said apart from the three main venues at the Peak Hill Leisure Centre, The Carrington and Peak Hill Country Crafts, businesses joined in with a mega book sale, a pop-up antique shop, workshops, an author talk and lots more. “All venues made really good money this year, and there was a lot of positive energy in the community that encouraged more people to take part.”
Long-time Peak Hill resident May Chandler was an excellent guest speaker at the official opening on Friday night. “At age 94 she was so articulate telling us about her life and how she came to Australia as a nine-year-old as part of the Barnardo’s child migration program. Despite her hardships she has such a positive attitude to life and is still actively doing crochet, cross-stitch and making cards,” said Judi.
The renovated Carrington building has also proved to be an excellent exhibition space and Judi said she would love to see more one-off exhibitions being held there. “It is the perfect place for it, and cost wise it would be much more reasonable.”
With the success and great support of this year’s event behind them, Judi said planning for next year’s 50th anniversary would start early to garner as much support as possible. “One of our aims is to compile a coffee table book for next year.”