Christmas Countdown Local 2022 #6/25

Christmas Countdown Local 2022 #6/25 - Wallsend

In the historical Wallsend Rotunda Park (1888) , a towering metal structure in the shape of a tree with a star dominates the landscape in the lead up to Christmas. In contrast, the rotunda,adjacent to the tree. is decorated traditionally - green wreaths with shiny baubles and red and gold ribbons. The contrasts are obvious during the day, but at night, when the lights go on, it does bathe the little community park in the magic of Christmas....

This decoration is the initiative of the Wallsend Business Improvement Association and sponsored by the local council, the City of Newcastle. I watched last week, when many Council workers erected the tree and decorations well into the night - not an easy task, I suspect. I was interested today to see how the weights at the bottom of the metal sculpture had been disguised - a giant tinsel wrapped gift!

The rotunda is such an icon in Wallsend and the perfect spot where this Newcastle suburb can focus its Chisitmas actvities as reported in The Newcastle Weekly :

“We invite everyone to get involved,” WOW Wallsend Business Improvement Association chairman Wayne Rogers said. Come down with the family, take in the fabulous lights, grab a photo with Santa and post them on socials to spread the word ... It’s really wonderful to see Wallsend village come to life at this time of year.

Among other special highlights throughout the month, locals can also enjoy Christmas-themed performances by the Hunter’s favourite children's’ group, Little Scallywagz on Saturdays 3, 10 and 17 December at 11am and 12.30pm; the Conscious Christmas Markets at the Rotunda on Saturday 10 December from 10am to 1pm; and joyous Christmas carols performed by the very popular and versatile quartet After Five, who will appear at the Rotunda on 21, 22 and 23 December from 6pm to 7pm.

“There’s no better time to visit Wallsend to shop local and show support of the businesses,” Mr Rogers said.

Well worth a visit to Wallsend ... also known as the centre for op shopping ( charity shops), with advertised walking tours for the serious shoppers!

#SeptTextileLove26 Day8

SeptTextileLove #stl26day8 ‘Inspiring Exhibition’ … earlier this year , the Wednesday Makers Group at Timeless Textiles ( Newcastle, Australia) celebrated International Women’s Day with their exhibition, “Inspiring Women in Stitch’ - congratulations - inspiring women honouring inspiring women . link to video

#SeptTextileLove26 Day 9

‘ Craft or Art?’ … a continuing complex question, with, I guess, has no definitive answer. I’ve often wondered about traditional practices especially … as an example , temari ( Japanese stitched thread balls ). Even authorities on temari have called it ‘an ancient folk craft ’ as well as a traditional, highly artistic culture and skill in that each design shows the unique characteristics of the maker’s free ideas and creativity. ‘ (Japan Temari Association)… My mother taught me to make temari and she would always consider her own creations ‘craft’ and to me they are ‘art’! Craft or art? Does it really matter what we call the techniques or the outcome of what we create ?

#SeptTextileLove Day 10

#SeptTextileLove #STL26Day10 ‘Low Impact ?’ … today I am highlighting an admirable decision by Newcastle ( NSW Australia) textile art gallery , Timeless Textiles . When you purchase from the gallery shop, the protective wrapping is made from recycled fabric - donated abandoned textiles, repurposed clothing and household linens, and sewing project scraps. Not only is this packaging practice low impact on the environment , it doesn’t cost much and making these bags requires minimal effort and only basic skills. However it has high impact as a thoughtful, aesthetic and sustainable retail practice. What other practices have you noticed retailers are using for a lower impact on the environment?

Empress Wu Designs with Wilma

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