Tag Archive for: membership
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
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
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
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!
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!
As part of this, CAHRS is currently seeking a Creative Enthusiast to lead our weekly Craft Connoisseurs sessions. This is a casual, stipend-paying position (helping to cover any associated costs for transport, materials and planning time) that allow someone to facilitate a group every Tuesday 9:30am-Midday. The position won’t start til classes reboot, which will only be when the current COVID-19 situation settles down and it’s deemed safe for both the facilitator and class members to participate.
The successful candidate will be leading a group of 10 -15 participants weekly through guided craft sessions. This is also an opportunity for individuals to showcase their crafty skills and build relationships with like-minded people. While working closely with our Events Officer, you will also assist with special outings and guest speakers for the group.
In return, we offer a weekly stipend payment for your time and participation, a community-oriented environment, CAHRS membership discounts and access to VIP events within our society.
Interested? Please email laura@cahrs.com.au with the subject line “Craft Facilitator” and answer the following questions:
- Why do you want to lead our group, and what inspires you about craft?
- What experience or skills do you have relevant to the position?
- Attach a few photos of work you have created
PLEASE NOTE: As we won’t know when these classes will begin and are operating with restricted staff hours, please be patient as you will likely not hear from us for a few months to come. Hang tight and we’ll be with you ASAP!
Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society (CAHRS) is currently seeking a plant guru to lead our Canning River Gardeners club.
We’re looking for a Green Thumb to share their love of gardening, know how to keep our plant friends happy and healthy, and enjoy a social, community-oriented environment. Experience with Garden Clubs or exhibiting at a Garden Show is desirable but not essential.
This is a casual, stipend-paying position (helping to cover any associated costs for transport, materials and planning time) that will see someone facilitate a group on the first Tuesday of the month, 6:30–9PM at Cannington Exhibition Centre. The position won’t start til classes reboot, which will only be when the current COVID-19 situation settles down and it’s deemed safe for both the facilitator and class members to participate. While working closely with our Events Officer, you will also assist with special outings and guest speakers for the group.
In return, on top of the stipend payment for participation in these community-focused events, you will also recieve CAHRS membership benefits and access to VIP events within our society.
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
PLEASE NOTE: As we won’t know when these classes will begin and are operating with restricted staff hours, please be patient as you will likely not hear from us for a few months to come. Hang tight and we’ll be with you ASAP!
As a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to providing back to the community, CAHRS – Canning Agricultural, Horticultural & Recreational Society – relies heavily upon the involvement of its members to help shape and conduct our activities and events. At this point of the year we say thanks, but we also ask for the community’s support in return.
With membership renewals due soon, before committing your money, thought it pertinent to recap what $25/10 bought our members in 2019, as well as a few highlights these memberships helped provide others with…
LEARNING
Access and subsidised fees for CAHRS special interest groups, including sewing, knitting, crochet and craft.
Invitations to the Canning River Gardeners meetings, talks and outings, including Kings Park, Perth City Farm, Total Green Recycling, seed swaps and the art of bonsai.
We also engaged with this being the International Year Of Indigenous Languages, leading to enriching discoveries occurring via numerous programs.
All of these groups are open to new members.
VIEWING
We held our first-ever free family movie night in July. Despite terrible weather, it was great fun, and is on the calendar for 2020.
TRAVELLING
Our annual social outing saw members taking a bus trip to New Norcia. Show volunteers even got a free ticket, including a fascinating tour.
EXPERIENCING
The magic of the Make Smoking History Canning Show included two fantastic, record-breaking days/nights, filled with fireworks, animals, local talent and much more.
ACHIEVING
Many of the amazing Canning Show Exhibition entries came from our members, contributing to the wonderful 2,000+ exhibits displayed at the Show. Many of them also stewarded and helped set up, inspiring over 10,000 people passing through this year’s Show gates.
STRETCHING (THE DOLLAR)
Prizes galore were distributed, including over $13,000 of prize money for the Canning Show Exhibition. Free early bird tickets to attend the Canning Show were also a hit.
SHARING
Sharing is caring. Over 70 volunteers helped throughout the year. These people helped the Society’s successful, happy, and incredibly well-placed position grow from strength to strength. If this included you, THANKS!!!
Thanks also to Victoria Park CWA and Station Street Men’s Shed for helping us run events throughout the year.
DONATING
Thanks to the generous people that donated their exhibition prize money back to the Society, or rounded up entry fees by a few dollars. However great or small the amounts, the sentiments were genuine, kind and greatly respected.
LOVING
Everyone experienced “I loved that” moments. A few from our tireless office staff included;
Robyn: Loved handing out the prize money at the Make Smoking History Canning Show. Especially watching the little children’s faces light up when they discovered they’d won $5.
Aarom: Loved getting a nickname. After being stuck in his chair from dawn to dusk managing our marketing and communications, Aarom earned the nickname Magnet. We hope it sticks!
Sarah: Loved volunteering. Sarah also discovered that you can win prizes for laying eggs (not personally, but the chicken type). Sarah now loves winning prizes at the Canning Show.
Jenny: Loved everything; Jenny just loved everything about the Canning Show, and has done for decades.
Afra: Loved growing strawberries in the office garden. Never in the history of CAHRS has any plant received the love and nurturing those strawberries did. Sadly they didn’t win first prize, but look out 2020…
Memberships are now due
If you connect with any of the above, please send in your membership application or renewal now so that you can do it all again in 2020.
Want to play a greater role?
Members interested in nominating for a three-year term on the Committee of Management must be financial members and need to lodge their nomination by Tuesday 21 January.
To end the International Year Of Indigenous Languages…
Fae a’ o’ us, Tae folk we haud dear – gie it laldy.
On behalf of the Committee, Members and staff, I wish you the merriest of Christmases.
Dianne Begg
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, CAHRS