25/06/2025
We’d love to send a big thank you to the people who joined us to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Busselton Spinners & Weavers.
The club was established in 1975 with only 7 members and met in all sorts of places including the old "Cottage Craft" shop in Albert Street. In 1978 the Old Courthouse Arts Centre offered us a permanent home, so it was appropriate that the club returned there for the 50 year celebrations. Two of members Faith Sparrow and Jo Ellen Wilson joined the club over 40 years ago and learned to spin there.
We had guests travelling from near and far, from Albany to Perth, to join our "spin-in" and view the "Golden Fleece"exhibition.
Along with the many spinners and weavers that joined us we were very happy to be also joined by some wonderful vendors who braved the drizzly weather to be there too.
Another visitor was Our Local Member, Ms Libby Mettam MLA who opened the exhibition by cutting a cake for us and stayed for a quick spinning lesson (which she handled very well). She spent quite some time chatting with everyone and learning what we actually do.
The Exhibits had been put together by our wonderful team and were a variety of different items with many focusing on the golden theme.
Our local Butter Factory Museum lent us the handspun and handwoven 1829 period costume that had been made by our members in 1979 for WA's Sesquicentenary, the 150th anniversary celebrations. The dress was made from hand spun wool singles with the accessories of a bonnet, collar and belt, the detail in this gown was incredible and many were very interested to see it.
All in all, we have had a wonderful anniversary, that wouldn’t have been nearly as wonderful without all the people who come together regularly to share their skills, knowledge, time and patience.
Thank you all
Kim Harries
President
Busselton Spinners & Weavers
