NO holidays can ever be planned for Mrs Smith during September because it’s the busiest time of the year for this very dedicated community volunteer.
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Perhaps her biggest task is organising the handcraft classes at the Singleton show where she has been the chief steward since 2004.
Mrs Smith took over this role from Trish Miles who retired from the position when she and her
husband left Singleton to truly retire in Port Macquarie.
“At my first show, as chief steward, I thought what have I let myself in for and please come back Trish,” she said.
“But over the years I have really come
to love the role,
especially spending time with the judges and listening to their
comments on each piece they are judging.
“I have learnt a great deal about my own work and how to improve things by listening to the judges.”
Mrs Smith who is a member of the Singleton Embroiders Guild is a keen hardanger embroider and, although she no longer exhibits in the local show, is still always interested in hearing any tips about her chosen hobby.
As well as running the handcraft sections Mrs Smith is also a member of the NAA Ladies Committee which means it’s a very busy time show week.
“We start on Monday cleaning the display cases and the tea room, Tuesday
is shopping and incidentals, Wednesday entries arrive, Thursday is judging and setting up the
display cases, Friday and Saturday full on show and Sunday is dismantling and clean up day,” she said.
Asked if that meant Monday she would be sitting at home with her feet up, Mrs Smith quickly replied no as that day was the Hospital Auxiliary annual golf club luncheon which she needed to attend and do some baking beforehand - how she would ever find the time and energy to
fit all that in amazes people much younger than herself.
But there is no doubting Mrs Smith’s commitment to her community and
dedication to the organisations which she belongs.
However, she is quick to say she
couldn't do her work at the show without the dedication of a team of volunteers in the pavilion.
“Everyone works together to make it happen from the moment the entries arrive until they are put on display in the cases its a well-oiled machine and it simply wouldn't happen without a dedicated group
of people who come each year and give generously of their time,” she said.
She wanted to
especially thank show secretary Maria Walker and caretaker Ric Jackson who both provide a great deal of assistance with the running of the show and the competition sponsors.
“One aspect of the handcraft classes which requires special attention is the actual display of the entries in the display cases ensuring each exhibit is shown at its best and in that area I receive a great deal of help from Lyn Hiscox,” Mrs Smith said.
“Lyn is also keeping the traditional arts going by teaching all forms of needlework to children which is fabulous.”
Each year the handcraft classes attract about 200 entries which are assessed
by accredited judges usually from the Newcastle area and Mrs Smith said they invariably comment on the show’s high standard of entries.
Always keen to see newcomers in the competition Mrs Smith said there are exhibitors who have been entering the classes for more than 40 years like former resident Unna Atwood who sends her entries to Mrs Smith by post from Bendemeer.
Anyone interested in the handcraft
classes can discuss anything about the competition with Mrs Smith who said if
people have any
questions or want to discuss the schedule she would love to hear from them.
“We are always
open to any suggestions about the
competition,” she said.
But for now its all hands on deck for the judging of the 2013 entries in sewing, crochet and knitting from all those talented craft people whether they be school age or living in our local aged care facilities from beginners to long term competitors the pavilion welcomes them all.