to Matakana Fabric fiesta set to return

Miles of material and tonnes of textiles will be up for grabs next month, when the Fabric Rescue community group holds its annual market for unwanted fabrics at Matakana Hall. The group is currently on the lookout for donations of any good quality fabric that is no longer being used, as well as wool, sewing or knitting patterns, and notions or haberdashery – sewing supplies such as buttons, needles, thread, elastic, ribbons, zips and so on.

This will be the third Fabric Rescue sale and organisers say it gives people the chance to have a good clear out and donate any materials they’re not using, even if it’s only to make room for new supplies.

There is always something for everyone, whether they’re looking for fabric for craft, fashion, upholstery or upcycling, with everything from leather and lace to satin and sacking, and from tiny scraps and remnants up to full size bolts of cloth. Items are not individually priced as such – instead, customers are asked to give a cash or Eftpos donation.

There will also be community upcycled craft items for sale. As well as unwanted material, Fabric Rescue is also looking for volunteers to help in the lead up to the sale and on the day itself. One of the organisers, Julie Tuck, says there’s always lot to do, from sorting fabric and other donations to setting up the sale and baking for the market team.

“Our mission is to keep fabric and textiles circulating and out of landfill and, in doing so, raise money for amazing local sewing and upcycling projects,” she says.

“We take good condition fabrics, notions, wool and craft materials and help them find new homes with creatives who can give them a new life.

“If anyone would like to get involved, please let us know. It’s always a great day but there is a lot to do on and before the big day.”

Tuck says it’s also a great chance for people to connect with others in the community who enjoy sewing, knitting, upcycling and creative crafts.

The Fabric Rescue Market will take place on Sunday, May 28 from 10am to 2pm. Anyone wanting to donate material, know more or volunteer should contact Julie Tuck on 027 570 8151 or fabricrescuemk@gmail.com

Pink Ribbon brunch

A Pink Ribbon brunch will be held at the Warkworth Town Hall on Thursday May 18, from 10am to 1pm. The programme will include a speaker, raffle and quiz, as well as a prize for best dressed, alcoholfree cocktails and delicious food. Tickets are $20 and are available from the Town Hall office. Info: aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Breakfasts raise vital funds

Broadcaster and Breast Cancer Foundation

NZ Ambassador Lorna

Riley is encouraging New Zealanders to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast next month to support Kiwis affected by breast cancer.

After going through breast cancer for a second time last year, Riley says Pink Ribbon Breakfast is a cause that is close to her heart.

“Through my shock diagnosis, surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and beyond, the foundation has been there alongside me with support, advice and wonderful resources,” she says.

The charity doesn’t receive any government funding, so hosting a Pink Ribbon Breakfast is an important fundraising event. Money raised is used for education, research and patient support.

“It’s also a great time to remind women to check their breasts and when they last had a mammogram. Early detection is everything when it comes to this insidious disease, as I well know. So get to know your normal, book that mammogram if it’s overdue, and get your friends and whānau to do the same.”

Around 3500 Kiwi are diagnosed with breast cancer every year and it is the leading cause of death for NZ women under 65.

For more information and to register to host a Pink Ribbon Breakfast, visit www.pinkribbonbreakfast.co.nz

Principal Sponsor

Warkworth-Wellsford, Puhoi Axemens Club, Menz Shed, Springboard, Kapa Haka & Pacifika Groups, TransCon, Topuni Timber, InSite, New World Warkworth, STR Automotive, Warehouse Stationery, Paper Plus, Warkworth Butchery, Warkworth Community Shop, Charlies Gelato, 8 Wired, The Tahi, Warkworth Menswear, Bin Inn, Stargate Forest Retreat, Flora Flowers, Intimate Apparel, Katie Boyle Real Estate, The Photo Store, Matakana Cinemas, Gold Coin, Warkworth Pony Club, Micro Med, Airlyte Garden Mulch

Warkworth Museum, Warkworth Volunteer Fire Brigade, The Vintage Car Club

A new commission by New Zealand composer Alex Taylor will feature on the programme when Les Voisins takes the stage at the Warkworth Town Hall this Saturday, April 29, at 4pm.

The trio of Justine Cormack (violin), James Bush (cello) and Simon Martyn-Ellis (theorbo, guitar) will present a lively French themed programme, from the Baroque era to the jazzy swing of the 1930s.

Les Voisins, translated means neighbours, which reflects the shared history of Cormack and Bush, who grew up next door to each other in Christchurch. They have remained close friends throughout their diverse careers – Cormack promoting New Zealand music through her performances with NZTrio, and Bush pursuing the freedom and energy of Baroque performance practice with many of Europe’s top groups. While performing, they met Australian lutenist and guitarist Simon Martyn-Ellis, a sought-after theorbo player, and the trio was born.

Their carefully crafted programme begins in the world of French Baroque. The repertoire moves through to the vibrant colours of Ravel’s impressionism, before jumping into the irresistible swing of guitarist Django Reinhardt and the grandfather of jazz violin Stéphane Grappelli, with a tribute to the Hot Club de France.

A coming together of worlds, neighbours, and friends, Les Voisins’ vitality and impeccable artistry are a rare treat for the audience. The concert is presented by Warkworth Music in association with Chamber Music NZ. It starts at 4pm. Tickets $35, $10 for tertiary students and school children free.

Cats set to dazzle Warkworth audiences

Local youth performers from Glass Ceiling Arts Collection’s inclusive Youth Theatre programme will take over the Warkworth Town Hall from Friday to Sunday, May 12 to 14.

The company will present the young actors edition of the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical Cats.

Based on the Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, by T. S. Elliot, the production is set to wow audiences with incredible costumes and make-up, and a top notch set constructed by students on the design course at Yoobee South Seas

Film and TV school.

The production that features participants with and without disabilities has been rehearsing since February, and features a cast of more than 30 young cats from in and around Warkworth.

Champions for accessibility, Glass Ceiling Arts Collective is striving to remove financial barriers for audiences by providing low cost tickets and 20 ‘pay what you can’ tickets for each show. To find out more or to buy tickets visit www. glassceilingartscollective.com