Responsible for creating, leading and teaching our sewing classes since 2017, Marisa Valentino is the current instructor for our Sew Good- Sewing Classes.
She is also a regular volunteer at the Canning Show and is soon to one of the guest facilitator at the upcoming Fairbridge Craft Retreat (Get your tickets ASAP for the event on 11-13 September).
As part of our INTRODUCING series shining a light on the amazing people and organisations that play an important part in what goes on as part of Cannington Exhibition & Showgrounds, Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) or and/or Canning Show operations, we had a chat to Marisa to give you an insight into her work with us and her passion for sewing.
Us: A moment that has stood out so far during your time at CAHRS:
Marisa: The way all the Staff can get the Show done and how it all goes like a well-oiled machine. I love working with all the staff, they are always helpful and very happy….keep the good work up.
Favorite moment at a previous Canning Show:
– When all the Staff gets dressed up in the theme of the Show/Presentation Evening & Awards (looking forward to what they get up to this year).
– When I come into the hall and see if I have won a prize for my work.
– When I see that my students have entered their work and got a prize. I am so happy for them.
You’re the instructor of our CAHRS-led Sew Good sewing classes. Tell us more about your involvement and why you love sharing your sewing skills:
I run the sewing classes with a program I designed to help people with no sewing knowledge. To learn about their sewing machines and all the basics of sewing in the first 10 weeks. Then over the next 10 weeks we learn about patterns, how to cut fabrics so we can start to make clothing. We will have 4 items made in 10 weeks. By this time my students have most of the skills to go shopping and make whatever pattern they have chosen.
I love teaching people how to sew. It makes me feel that I have given someone a skill for life. It’s a way to create and show your personality in what you make .It’s good to know how to sew. You can fix your clothing or make something special for a loved one “One of a Kind”. There are so many good things about sewing that I can’t list them all!
What drew you to lending your skills to CAHRS/Canning Show/CECS:
I love to sew and I love to work with people. I somehow have a gift in teaching people so I put 2 and 2 together and became a sewing teacher. CAHRS had a need and I have a great time in doing teaching for them.
You were a large part of the inspiration for our upcoming Fairbridge Craft Retreat. Tell us about how it came about and who would enjoy/benefit from it?
I have been going to Fairbridge for over 8 years, when I got involved with the Pinjarra Quilters. I started going with the Liddelow Ladies in Kenwick and we each take turns to run the house. I started organising the retreat 5 years ago, it became my job to book the house and make all the arrangements.
Fairbridge is a lovely place for people who love crafting, sewing, knitting or crocheting. There are so many things to see and do, including walking around the beautiful grounds or seeing the wildflowers.
The retreat would be perfect for anyone wanting to express their creative flair or just relax in the gorgeous surrounds.
On the sewing front at Fairbridge, what can people expect to do or learn:
I will be coordinating 3 different projects/sessions…
– Learning to sew a tote bag.
– Creating a patchwork quilt block for Charity Quilts.
– Learning more about whatever project you’re working on
If you were stuck on a desert island, what 3 things would you take?
– A book on How to Survive on a Desert Island.
– Inspiration – To keep me from going mad.
– The Travel Destination book series – to forget where I am.
What else do you do in real life?
– I cook to a high standard. I love to make cakes and desserts.
– There are all the mundane things eg: washing, feeding animals, gardening, looking after Dad and, if there is any time left, I love to read.
– Keeping in touch and going out with my friends to dinner, the movies, markets or walking the dogs.
– Sewing, of course!!
Since COVID, what skill have you learned:
Gardening- how not to kill my plants.
What might you be entering in the coming Canning Show Exhibition?
– A cake or other baked goods.
– ‘Quilt-as-you-go’ Quilt
– Thread Point 3D Wall Quilt
What is the best way for people to contact you:
Mobile: 0449 128 289
Laura is the newest addition to Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS). She joined us at the end of February which was short lived due to the dreaded COVID (yes, the dreaded C word!). She’s now back on board to pick up where we left off as the new Events Officer, or in her words the “party planner” of the team. She manages all the entertainment for the Canning Show, coordinates the Special Interest Groups, organises outings for our volunteers and other events at Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds (CECS).
We had a quick chat with Laura to give you some insight into our new staff member and some of the events that she’s been working on recently.
A moment or two that’s stood at so far during your time at CAHRS:
Office Dog Parade / Fashion Friday
[There is a video, if interested please enquire within 😉]
Fave moment at Canning Show:
2020 will be my first, can’t wait to find out! Can promise a great line-up is in the making… More info here.
A fave (and feel free to say why)…
– Karaoke song: House of the Rising Sun by The Animals because it reminds me of my sister.
– Plant: Wildflowers and roses.
– Food: I love Italian food, comfort food is Spaghetti Bolognese.
– Travel destination: Am I too biased to say Canada??? [Laura is Canadian].
– Book: Recently read and really enjoyed The Paying Guests by Sarah Waters.
What else do you do in real life?
Spend time with my family, camping, going to live music and socialising with friends.
What drew you to lending your skills to CAHRS/Canning Show/CECS:
CAHRS is a community orientated organisation and that I get to work with a variety of people.
What will you be entering in the coming Canning Show Exhibition?
Home cooking – homemade bread.
Something interesting you’ve discovered about CAHRS/CECS/Canning Show during your time here?
Our history – the Canning Show has been running since 1909 (it’s been quite interesting to go through the archives).
What’s coming up soon that you’ve organised?
With the green light recently giving the go ahead, here’s an update on our Special Interest Groups…
This group was one of the first to return to our venue and test out our new COVID plan. It shows the commitment, enthusiasm, and camaraderie of this close-knit bunch. Pauline has some great projects in store for Term 3 including an up-to-the-minute cacoon cardigan, which I cannot wait to see. More info here.
After such a long period of separation, we planned a Reunion to kick start our gardening group. This month our group was invited to a tour of the beautiful Zanthorrea Nursery. I am hoping my Kangaroo Paws I purchased will be Show ready once November comes around 😉. Next up, a chance to design your very own Insect Hotel in August, readying it for entry into the Canning Show. More info here.
The ever-popular Marissa and the sewing gang will be back to the Liddelow Hall commencing Term 3. There are some spaces left for this class so please check out Eventbrite to join. Looking forward to meeting you all. More info here.
CAHRS & Kathy Ellwell (IYENGAR YOGA) present to you 2x weekly yoga classes, Monday 7pm and Wednesdays 6pm. Kathy is a well followed, experienced Yoga instructor in the area and has chosen our Liddelow Hall location to practice. Having personally attended her class, it is a feel-good session. More info here.
“Wooly Wednesdays”
The ladies of the group have been enjoying their weekly rendezvous, knitting, crocheting, and brainstorming creations for the upcoming Canning Show. Welcome back 😊.
“Machine Knitters”
Sessions have been underway. The gals have been mingling and knitting plus bringing in shared sweets to making up for lost time. Looking forward to seeing your Show entries.
Best way for people to contact you:
I work Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays. If you have any enquiries Events related, please feel free to contact me directly on 0432 447 398 or email me at laura@cahrs.com.au
Have a passion for gardening? Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is currently seeking a growing garden guru to lead our Canning Gardeners group.
We’re looking for a green-thumbed Facilitator keen to share their love of gardening, who knows how to keep our plant friends happy and healthy, and someone that enjoys a social, community-oriented environment.
A payment of $100 per session is on offer to the selected Facilitator, plus any approved incidental costs to be covered by CAHRS (eg transport, materials, extra entry fees or costs for excursions etc).
You will be expected to:
– Organise for one event a month, lasting for a few hours
– Achieve this by working closely with our Events Officer to assist with preparing special outings and guest speakers for the group
– Select a mix of our Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds venue and relevant destinations in or around the Perth metro area for these to take place at. Previous examples of excursions include City Farm, Zanthorrea Nursery and Total Green Recycling.
As long as we can continue to operate safely within the current COVID-19 environment and it’s deemed safe for both the facilitator and class members to participate, we’re looking for someone to start ASAP.
On top of the above-listed stipend payment for participation in these community-focused events, you will also receive CAHRS membership benefits and access to VIP events within our society.
Experience with Garden Clubs or exhibiting at a Garden Show is desirable but not essential; We’re really just looking for someone who loves gardening, people, and sharing gardening with people!
INTERESTED?
Please email laura@cahrs.com.au with the subject line “Gardening Facilitator” and answer the following questions:
– Why do you want to lead our group, and what inspires you about gardening?
– What experience or skills do you have relevant to the position?
– Attach a few photos of your garden or plants/flowers you’ve grown
Or for more info please contact our Events Officer Laura on 9451 1820.
PLEASE NOTE:
These events are presented by Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS), a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to enriching the lives of our community, from hosting community events in the Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds to organising our own events (including the Canning Show), workshops, programs and more. All events are discounted or subsidised for Members, and members receive a range of benefits, from free Show tickets to warm and fuzzies from helping give back to the community. Find out more here.
As with all Special Interest Groups/events held at Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds or run by CAHRS, these events will run in accordance with the government’s COVID-19 social distancing restrictions as well as internally promoted precautionary safety measures, with our patrons, volunteers and staff’s health and safety always held of the highest importance. When at our venue or events, please respect the safety measures in place.
CAHRS is looking for those interested in enjoying a CRAFT RETREAT WEEKENDER we are planning to take place in the idyllic Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra in September this year.
This escape will be bursting at the ‘seams’ with opportunities for all types and levels of craft lovers, ranging from knitters to crocheters, sewers, and various arts and crafters. Whilst practising, learning, developing, showcasing and sharing skills, this casual retreat enables you to have a ‘yarn’ in a social setting, and find new people you really ‘glue’ with.
All meals will be included, enabling you to enjoy a weekend filled with creative workshops, outdoor excursions, and plenty of crafty interactions with like-minded people.
WHERE: Fairbridge Village, Pinjarra
WHEN: Fri 11 – Sun 13 Sept
TIMES: 2pm start on Friday, leave by Midday
WHO: Hosted by CAHRS
WHY:
– Build relationships with likeminded peers
– Practise and share your skills
– Pinjarra is the epitome of rural peace and quiet
– Reduce stress and unwind
– Get creative juices flowing for Canning Show
COST: $160 pp, all inclusive of…
WHAT:
– 2-nights accommodation at Fairbridge Village
– All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner + coffee & tea)
– Crafting & creative workshops
– Light activities, nature walks and happy hour!
PLEASE RSVP EXPRESSION OF INTEREST BY 8 JULY TO:
CAHRS Events Officer Laura on 9451 1820 or laura@cahrs.com.au
EXHIBITION READY TO IGNITE COMMUNITIES’ CREATIVE SPARK AS EVENT IS GIVEN GREEN LIGHT
Last year’s Canning Show was a triumph, with record-breaking crowds of over 10,000 smiling people as Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (aka CAHRS) celebrated our 110th year of enriching the community. Whilst 2020 comes with a very different set of circumstances, we are pleased to announce the Canning Show 2020 this year is planned to be held Friday 6 & Saturday 7 November, preparing to evolve, involve and inspire!
A creative wonderland with community heart, the line-up and ticket details for the Canning Show will be announced closer to the event, as per usual, however we are excited to release the Exhibition Schedule Of Entries early. From 3-year-olds to teenager amateurs to experienced artisans, everyone is encouraged to have a go and start growing, baking, painting, photographing, sculpting, flower arranging and more. Get your creative juices flowing now and get ready to showcase your wares at the Canning Show. All entries will be exhibited at the event in November, with the best being awarded over $13,000 in cash prizes.
CAHRS CEO Dianne Begg comments, “All positive signs continuing regarding COVID-19, we’re looking forward to Canning Show igniting people’s creativity, pleasure and inspiration this year.” Whilst some changes will be made in the Show’s delivery, she adds, “It will remain fun, filled with exciting competitions, entertainment, and amazing value for money. With social distancing and safety measures to be considered, our team is working hard to ensure that every part of the Show will be the safest, most enjoyable experience possible.”
EXHIBITION
Schedule Of Entries launched
The Canning Show is one of the largest annual exhibitions in the State that showcases a wide array of arts, crafts, hobbies, creations and produce. Open to everyone, from talented amateurs to awarded artisans, the competition is there to celebrate, promote, reward, and encourage diverse passions and talents, plus inspire others in the community. This year we’re excited to announce the Schedule Of Entries earlier than usual, to take advantage of these crazy times giving people more time to be crazily creative and productive!
To kick start an incredible Show experience, everyone in the community is encouraged to showcase their iso-creations or further practise their arts. Whether you’re wanting your 5 year old to practise their handwriting or chocolate crackle making, a kid with ambitions to one day star on LEGO Masters or you want to put your quarantine baking experiments to the test, there’s something for everyone. From discovering your new passion to practising professionals looking for esteem and honours, everyone has a chance to get involved, inspire others and take a sweet slice of over $13,000 in cash, awarded to the best exhibits in the Show!
CLICK IMAGE TO VIEW / DOWNLOAD FULL EXHIBITION SCHEDULE
KEY INFO:
- One of the largest annual exhibitions in the state that showcases a wide array of arts, crafts, hobbies, creations and produce, igniting communities’ creative spark
- Open to everyone, from talented amateurs to awarded artisans, the competition celebrates, promotes, rewards and encourages diverse passions and talents, plus inspires others in the community
- Over $13,000 in cash is awarded to the best exhibits, plus trophies, sashes, and other awards
- ALL entries are exhibited as part of the 2020 Canning Show; it’s by and for the community
- ANYONE can enter, no matter where you are from, your age or level of experience
- Independently judged by experts in their field
- Over 650+ Classes to enter, covering Youth; Fruit & Vegetables; Flowers; Home & Dairy Produce; Honey; Home Cooking; Sewing, Knitting, Crochet, Toys & Dolls; Handicrafts; Hobby Ceramics; Painting & Drawing; Photography; and Industrial Arts
- Numerous special classes celebrating the ‘International Year of Plant Health’
- Entry and exhibit drop-off instructions will come closer to the event, with our staff working on ways to maximise everyone’s safety
CANNING SHOW
Key event details announced thus far
DATES: Friday 6 & Saturday 7 November 2020
LINE-UP: Exhibition and 2 nights of fireworks confirmed, plus a diverse line-up of fun for the whole family to be announced in due course
VENUE: Home of the Canning Show; Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds
TICKETS: Presale tickets to be announced closer to the event
Sitting at my new temporary ‘office’ desk at home takes adjustment. Like everyone else, I am learning to live a safely isolated lifestyle and discovering the benefits of having time at home. Apart from the obvious and practical things like cleaning out the shed, there are opportunities to seize whilst being restricted, including thinking of new ideas for the development of Canning Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds, the evolution of the Canning Show and CAHRS events that will positively impact more people’s lives in brighter days to come.
A few updates since last we spoke include:
CANNING SHOW AND EXHIBITION
At this stage, it is not wise to jump to conclusions as to whether the Canning Show will run on the planned date of 6 & 7 November, but I recommend that you continue to prepare and create your Exhibition entries. Have a go at the fantastic craft challenge by making an article featuring an insect, spider, snail or creepy-crawly.
The Canning Show Exhibition schedule of entries will be given an early online launch this year and will include some special items specifically designed to celebrate the International ‘Year Of Plant Health’, the theme for 2020, with a number of classes now being announced.
INSECT HOTELS
Applauding the world focus of this very important topic, the Show is hosting a special competition suitable for all ages and skills levels; to build an insect hotel. The winners will be the homeless bees and bugs of your garden. After the Show, the hotels can be set up and become home to very happy insects that will propagate your flowers, fruit trees and generally make your garden a better place.
On a recent trip to Bunnings, I did discover that the shelves of seeds and vegetable seedlings were bare. I think perhaps that everyone has already heard how much fun it is to exhibit flowers, fruit and veg and the Show, and have decided to give it a go nice and early. I hope the insects (that currently don’t have anywhere to live) are able to do their work in time.
RECYCLING MATERIALS
We also need to re-think our attitude towards recycling materials used for handicrafts. Traditionally we have expected handicraft items to be made using new materials, but, with art and craft supplies in high demand as parents rise to the challenges of homeschooling, this year we encourage and welcome items made with repurposed materials. Please think carefully about the materials’ previous lives and don’t use items that are not clean and safe. Fabric can easily be re-used if it has been thoroughly washed. Consider what might be suitable if you want to use containers that have been used for storage, if they held chemicals, for example, make sure they are very thoroughly cleaned first and never use treated pine for crafting.
AGM UPDATE
Following the annual general meeting, I am pleased to advise that Ray Porter has been returned as President and Maxine Wylie as Vice President. Ray, Maxine and the other members of the Committee of Management guide the direction of CAHRS. They are a valued part of the team committed to working together to achieve the best possible outcome and ultimately return to normal operations with the least possible disruption or loss. Day by day, the staff continue to manage the venue, looking after the essential maintenance and operational tasks, as well as preparing the plans for re-opening.
VENUE DEVELOPMENTS
Also at the AGM, details for the new venue developments were on the agenda. The members that attended the meeting voted with confidence on the plans and endorsed support for progression to the next stages of planning. We are currently reviewing these, guided by a commitment to enriching communities with perhaps different needs to those we identified pre-COVID-19.
MEMBERS TRIP
Thank you for your support and I am excited by the prospect of seeing you all soon. A spring-time bus trip to Penguin Island is just what we need. Keep posted for confirmed dates of this event and others when normal service is resumed.
THANKS
This is a troubling time for many. Our organisation is made up of 100s of wonderful volunteers, members, friends and family, who put their heart and soul into giving back and inspiring others. We wish them all the happiness and health we can during these challenging periods, as well as everyone all around the globe. Now, more than ever, we all need to band together and look after, respect and help each other as best we can. Our very best to all, and we look forward to opening the doors to the public again as soon as safely possible!
On behalf of the Committee, Members and staff, I wish you a safe and happy Easter.
Dianne Begg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CAHRS
As a not-for-profit organisation committed to enriching the community, the safety of Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds patrons, members, event organisers and staff are always of utmost importance to everything Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) does.
As such, in response to the quickly evolving COVID-19 situation and eventuating uncertainties, it was with a heavy heart that a few weeks back we had to temporarily postpone all events until the end of April. With the continuing escalation of COVID-19 infections and safety protocols, this was then extended til further notice.
We have been and will continue to closely monitor the situation, only making fully informed decisions on reopening when we have greater confidence in the safety of our stakeholders – from the public to our hirers, coordinators, clubs, societies and events.
We apologise for any inconvenience caused, but please be assured that our staff are still working, planning how to return in ways that will provide much-needed relief, enjoyment and services to lift the community at a time when we will need it more than ever. With the COVID-19 situation hopefully under control by November, these plans include a huge Canning Show, celebrating the community in new ways.
WHAT THIS MEANS FOR…
EVENT ORGANISERS
CAHRS has been working with all upcoming events in the next few months to reschedule events in the next 12 months. Please inform your stakeholders, including cancelling events on social media. Any payment towards your booking will be rolled over to your rescheduled booking. Contact Afra on 0401 453 285 ASAP to discuss, if you haven’t already been contacted and are unsure.
EVENT ATTENDEES
Look out for rescheduled dates in the future. Any questions, please contact the event organisers directly (via Facebook).
SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS
We will be processing EFT refunds for your remaining, cancelled classes. If these haven’t already been processed, please email your bank details to enquiries@cahrs.com.au so we can refund you ASAP, or call on 0432 447 398 to discuss.
THANKS
This is a troubling time for many. Our organisation is made up of 100s of wonderful volunteers, members, friends and family, who put their heart and soul into giving back and inspiring others. We wish them all the happiness and health we can during these challenging periods, as well as everyone all around the globe. Now, more than ever, we all need to band together and look after, respect and help each other as best we can. Our very best to all, and we look forward to opening the doors to the public again as soon as safely possible!
MORE INFO ON COVID-19 & SAFETY
- Government Department of Health: https://www.health.gov.au/
- 24hr Coronavirus Health Information Line: 1800 020 080
Whilst events at Cannington Exhibition Centre are temporarily postponed due to COVID-19, Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is instead planning ways to strengthen and renew our Special Interest Group offerings, giving the public and members a ranged of reinvigorated options to be educated, inspired and have fun!
Something to look forward later in the year, we have been planning an annual CAHRS Members trip like no other; a road (and boat!) trip to Penguin Island and Naragebup. Although the date can only be confirmed once the current uncertainty surrounding COVID-19 dissipates, we’re hoping that we’ll be able to hold it in mid-September. Penguin Island is home to the world’s smallest penguin species, yet this trip won’t be ‘short’ on anything else, as we also head to Naragebup for an inspirational tour and lunch.
Included:
- Return bus trip, leaving Cannington Exhibition Centre & Showgrounds
- Return ferry to picturesque Penguin Island and penguin feeding at Discovery Centre
- Guided talk and walk around the grounds at Naragebup (Rockingham Regional Environmental Centre), including organic vegetable gardens, rescued marine turtles and aquatic friends
- Packed lunch provided in Lake View function room at Naragebup
Subsidised tickets will be announced as soon as possible, with priority given to CAHRS Members.
PLEASE NOTE: As we don’t yet know when this trip will be able to occur until the COVID-19 situation is resolved, please watch this space for an announcement of dates and tickets as soon as we can!