Church of craft

By Bridget Brady
The Christ Church of Tooradin, with help from the local community, will run the annual Craft and Homeware Bazaar on Saturday.
The event is somewhat of a ritual in the town, with members of the church hosting the first fair over three days in 1903 to raise money to pay off the debt of the church that was purchased in 1900. It was held again due to its success and remains the biggest fund-raiser for the church today.
Co-ordinator of the church’s committee Dale Ball said people were sentimental about the event.
“It belongs to the town,” Ms Ball said.
“This is what keeps the little church open.”
The generations of families who remained involved in the church were one of the reasons for the event’s success, she said.
“It’s not like a usual fair. There are beautiful crafts and handcrafts and that standard is what people come miles for. It’s developed an excellent reputation.”
Church members and many who were not involved in the church worked hard during the year to make crafts among other things to sell at the event, Ms Ball said.
“We’re very, very lucky.
“I think it’s the fellowship because there is a group of about 20 to 25 ladies who meet once a month in the church hall and we sew and do the craft.”
Some items are donated and all of the money raised at the event goes towards the church.
The bazaar will feature an extensive array of nursery and baby wares, heritage linen and giftware, toys for all ages, homemade jewellery and scarves, homemade preserves, cakes and biscuits.
It will be held at the Tooradin Community Centre on Station Road this Saturday, 21 November, from 9.30am to 3pm.