Celebrating funding for their new home, Armidale Spinners and Weavers Club President Lee Daniel, left, Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall, Treasurer Merryn Twemlow and Armidale Showgrounds Caretaker Richard Howe inside the old bar building which will soon be transformed.
Wednesday, 9 October 2019
THE Armidale Spinners and Weavers will soon be applying their age old trade in a new home with Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall today announcing a $30,000 State Government grant to upgrade the old bar building at the Armidale Showground.
Mr Marshall said the funding brought an end to two years of uncertainty for the local organisation.
“In 2018 the Armidale Spinners and Weavers were moved from their original home in the Armidale Showground’s western grandstand to allow renovations to the building,” Mr Marshall said.
“Since then the Showground Trust has made available the 100-year-old bar building as a temporary home in the warmer months, while during winter members have worked in the showground office where it is warmer.
“I’m pleased to say this grant will allow a new roof and windows to be installed in the bar, insulating the room and making it usable for the group all year round.
“Sadly this doesn’t solve all the club’s problems because it is still searching for a place to keep its priceless weaving machines after a wind storm blew the roof off its storage shed at the start of September.”
President Lee Daniel welcomed the announcement after what has been a tough period for the club.
“Our group has nearly 50 members and currently we are stretched for space, spread out over two separate areas in the showground’s office,” Ms Daniel said.
“This grant will come as a great relief to our weavers who will be happy to know we will all be brought back together in one room permanently.
“We look forward to the works taking place as soon as possible so we can get into the old bar before the weather gets too cold and weaving becomes difficult for our older members.”
Mr Marshall said giving the club a permanent home would benefit all of Armidale.
“This organisation is incredibly community-minded with its members weaving garments for a particular cause every year,” he said.
“This winter Armidale’s homeless were provided some relief from the cold with 113 garments including gloves, scarves, jumpers and blankets weaved and donated to the St Vincent De Paul Society.
“I want to thank the organisation and its members for their patience and cooperation over this period and look forward to officially opening the new-look old bar once all the works are complete.”