More Binding, and an Exhibition

 I'm sure you are all getting tired of my secret stars and hearts projects by now.  But I have just finished hand stitching the binding down on the second quilt.  Now I have to wait till I catch up with the recipients.  They don't know I've been making these, (I'm sure they don't read this blog), so it will be a surprise for them.

Two secret quilts, finally finished

I went to visit an exhibition on Friday, held at Speldhurst Country Estate.  This is a large retirement village, built in the grounds of a former hospital, so the grounds have many beautiful mature trees.  There is a lot of creative talent amongst the residents, and there were invited guest artists there as well.  Entry was a gold coin. and all funds raised were going to the local St John Ambulance, such a worthy cause.

Stepping in the door, I paid my entry fee, then took a couple of raffle tickets for a basket full of gardening goodies.  I'm not much of a gardener myself, but thought my daughter would appreciate this.  But the two day exhibition is now over, and there hasn't been a phone call to say that I won, so I guess I didn't have the winning ticket.

The first thing I spotted was a display of model trains.  Really big ones like this.

Then teeny tiny ones going round and round the track, and through tunnels.

I'm sure the very enthusiastic men told me what gauge they were.  It certainly must be an engaging hobby, as long as there is room to display their lovingly collected treasures.

This was a fun table, full of cute little hand made toys.  Sadly, I have no one to buy such things for these days.

Toys galore

Then I came across this intriuging display.  "Of course, these are modeled on my figure", the artist said with a smile.  Sadly, no.  But they were certainly fun items.  They are hollow and backless, with a handy hook to hang on your wall.  I had never seen anything like it, I have to say.

For madam's boudoir, perhaps?

Then I found the quilt display.  There is a very strong group of quilters residing in the village, and several well known quilters involved.  I looked around and admired the quilts on display, purchased a couple of raffle tickets for quilts (I'm ever hopeful) Talked to some quilty ladies, and took home a couple of donated magazines looking for a new home.  

Some of the quilts on display

I passed several ladies selling hand made cards. some with knitting items, and there were numerous painters with wonderful displays.  Truly something for everyone, such a talented bunch live and create at this village.

There were really special timber items tucked away in yet another room.  And there was a face I knew, it was Russell from our caravan club.  His speciality is making items from matchsticks.  I already knew this as he had previous shown some of his work at a caravan rally some time ago.  It's hard to imagine just how many hours went into crafting these works of art.

All made from matchsticks

Beautiful boxes made by Dave Brandon

The most amazing thing I saw was a copy of the famous Burt Munroe's motorcycle, also crafted by Dave Brandon.  Burt Munro, from Invercargill, New Zealand, set a documented top speed of 184mph, 296km in 1967 on the Bonneville Salt Flats, Utah, riding his modified 1920 Indian Scout.  All this at the ripe old age of 68.  The film, "the World's Fastest Indian", starring Anthony Hopkins, made in 2005, tells this story and his struggles to attend the race.

What a beauty

It was nice to catch up with Russell's wife Maureen, and she joined me for coffee and a nice long catch-up in the adjacent cafe after I had seen all the exhibition.  It was a lovely morning indeed, but I was pleased to get home. as I have been feeling a bit under the weather for the last week or so.  Cough, cough, coughing and a sore throat, and feeling weary enough to take me off for an afternoon nap some days.   Just to be sure, I took a Covid test, which came back negative, I'm pleased to say.  Guess I just have to keep up with my lemon and honey drinks, throat lozenges, and rest.