Colleen Crompton and Elena Needham are looking for stallholders to take part in the Wairarapa Fabric Fair. PHOTO/ELI HILL
Fabric returns as the star of the fair
ELI HILL
[email protected]
A fabric-filled fundraiser for King Street Artworks is calling for stallholders and fabric donations.
The Wairarapa Fabric Fair – a one-stop shop for knitters, quilters, and sewing enthusiasts is to be held on Saturday, September 14, from 10am-2pm, at the South End School hall.
Elena Needham and Colleen Crompton have been holding fabric fundraisers for the past three years, but Needham said they weren’t sure whether it would go ahead this year.
“My husband Paul had a whole room of wool and he had a wool stand at the fair. He was a big supporter of us running the fair.
“But he’s just passed away this year so we weren’t sure whether we’d do the fabric fair or not.”
The pair eventually decided to continue and are now holding the fair with Paul in mind.
“He was on the board of King Street Art. He used to go up there and do his rug making. It’s coming full circle now that they’re our charity.”
The fair usually raises around $1000, with the money coming from vendors buying tables, a cafe run by the Carterton Central Lions and a charity table to which people can donate fabric.
The pair are hoping to get 20 stalls signed up, with tables at each available for $25.
While stall holders came from Wellington and Hastings last year, Crompton said most were local.
“Some people do it to declutter, one lady brought in her mum’s sewing kit after she passed away – others are more into the fabric business.”
Most years, a line forms outside the door before the fair is opened.
Crompton said it was the variety that appealed to people.
“There’s all the little bits and pieces that go with sewing … buttons and needles. A lot of people sell vintage fabrics as well. There is a following over here of people who like to use those.
“All [the fabric] that’s left at the charity table we donate to another charity – they still get used for something.”
To book a table or to donate fabric or sewing items email: [email protected]; or phone: Elena on (027) 490-0851 or Colleen on (022) 038-0483.
Hitting the road for a cause
EMMA BROWN
[email protected]
Hundreds of bikers are expected to ride through Wairarapa during Labour weekend in support of Tribal Nations Ride Against Teen Suicide.
Each year, chapters around the country run their own RATS rally in support of a local charity.
RATS was launched in 2012 and has raised thousands of dollars every year for charities around New Zealand fighting against suicide.
Horowhenua chapter club secretary Stephen Taylor said the aim of the ride was to raise awareness and funds.
This year the chosen charity for the Horowhenua chapter, covering the lower North Island, is King St Artworks Charitable Trust, which provides an artistic outlet for people who have used mental health services, their whanau and friends.
“We believe in what they are doing and what they are achieving locally is something we feel passionate about,” Taylor said.
Around 100 Tribal Nations members from around New Zealand are expected to participate, as well as the Wairarapa Ram Rodders and other Wairarapa riders.
“In Wairarapa there is a huge epidemic [of teen suicide],” Taylor said. “It is close to our hearts.”
All motorbike riders are invited to get behind the cause, with the ride starting in Featherston at the ANZAC Memorial, Fox St, at 10.30am on Sunday, October 27.
The ride will make its way to Masterton, where from midday to 3pm the Farriers carpark will host an awareness event.
For more information about the ride or the event contact: [email protected]
Where to get help
These 24/7 free phones are operated by trained counsellors who can help you talk through problems and identify ways of coping.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (Available 24/7)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 Tautoko) (Available 24/7)
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (Available 24/7)
