SPRING FAIR 09

A much anticipated event on Norfolk Island is our annual St Barnabas' Spring Fair. This is something that Bernie and I have taken the responsibility for organising in recent years - although there are many people working hard to make it a success closer to the time. Although this an occasion that is sponsored by the Church of England on Norfolk Island, we have now opened it up to the whole community, and several individuals and organisations come along and take part. It truly becomes a day for the community in terms of enjoyment, participation and funds!

The Met. Office had told us early in the week that it was going to be a fine day. It was better than that - it was perfect. Clear blue sky, no wind, and the sort of balmy temperature we usually enjoy at this time of year. In this picture, taken in the morning, Chris has just "christened" the waterslide for 2009.

Our Chief Minister Andre opened the Fair. He had missed out last year, because he had to go away, and reminded us he wanted to be there this year!

One of the "anchors" of our Spring Fair has always been the Waterslide, which snakes down the hillside. Many of the kids only ever see this part ofthe Fair, but at least we have the company and custom of their ever patient parents while they wait for them to tire from their exertions! Sarah took these photos for me, as I was busy with my stall. If you look back in my Blog Archives for this time last year, I recall we had some fairly spectacular ones taken from the bottom of the hill.

Trent kept us entertained in his friendly and jovial way.

Karenne and Celia always turn up to add colour to the "Show"with their helium filled balloons


It was really a day for families to relax, enjoy the activities and all the sweet treats and goodies that were available.

Our Banyan Park Playcentre had a wonderful set -up, with Craft activities, face-painting, and things like colourful cupcakes and craft kits to buy.

William enjoyed being a tiger!

There is so much to show you, I will have to save it all for a couple more blogs!

FOR THE FAIR

I have been busy creating some little things to sell at our upcoming Spring Fair, and thought I should make a pictorial record before I get too busy or they are sold!

I am not a knitter, but I do enjoy working with wool, particularly felt and wool embroidery.

Last year I produced some little wool needlebooks which were very popular. I have refined the design a little, and have made seven more this year. My friend Robyn obtained some Doctor Flannel for me for the pages. Doctor Flannel brings back many memories for me. I recall this was what we used to make our red capes for our Red Cross uniforms!!

Another quick little project has been these little hearts. I used some felted jumper wool fabric to make them and used Silk Sari cord for the hangers. The leaves are also made from a felted green jumper. The berry beads are some very useful ones I bought online in bulk from LUVBEADS (sadly no longer operating.)

During my "wet felting" phase earlier in the year, I made these pincushion apples. They are pure wool right through to the centre! I had a few failures, but I think these ones are good enough to sell.

And while we are on the subject of fruit, look at what I have been making these past few days! The Quilting Arts"Gifts" magazine had this idea for frosted fruits - they showed pears like the bigger one here. True to my usual practice, I adapted the design and made the pears smaller. Then I improvised a similar shape for apples. They are sewn together, using five pieces, which looks more natural than six or four.Then they are stuffed and are coated with gel medium and sprinkled with clear glitter to make them look as if they are sugar-coated. I have my niece looking out for glitter that is a little coarser and less powdery.

I have all sorts of plans for making lots of these for Christmas for table arrangements or tree decorations. I thought I could personalise them by putting peoples' names on the leaves.

LIVING LIKE KINGS - Part 3

"Contentment is a place between having too much and too little."

In a small community like Norfolk Island, people really depend on one another. It is important to share what you have with others. Even a degree of bartering is a great help to the budget, and creates win-win situations.

And because we cannot access some things in a hurry ("it's on the next ship") we tend to be resourceful, and make good use of what we have.

And in recent times, we seem to have plenty!! And plenty to give away, I am glad to say!

Just look at what I have been able to capture on my camera in just one week!

A bunch of Bananas from the garden at the Pitcairn Settlers Village. We had eaten half of them before I got the photo! Courtesy of Marie, Charles and Brett!

A jar of Guava Jelly from Connie. This will be used in making Guava Jelly Chocolates for our Spring Fair this month.

Real English Spinach from Jane at the Markets. A thank you for some books on herbs I have bequeathed to her!

Windfall avocadoes from the one of the big old trees down the back. We share them with the birds - but there are plenty for all. Lovely for our salads, with Vegemite at breakfast, and for Guacamole - my favourite!!

A magnificent leg of pork - given as a thank you for a favour!

An overloaded and top heavy branch of a Paw-paw came down in the wind. Hopefully these fruit will ripen. But if they don't, they can always be cooked as a vegetable or we can make green paw-paw salad.

The "feral" pumpkin vine continues to be productive, with new ones forming all the time. We have given lots away.

A couple of our boys often bring us fish. John brought these around as a gift from a mate, whom he was helping with cleaning and filleting. Thanks Dean!! The Trevally and kingfish were beautiful!

Edie has kept us supplied with wonderful grapefruit for our breakfast all winter long. Hopefully our own "Mary B" tree will have fruit again next year, after a rather severe runing last year.

These delectable greens came from Jane's stall at the markets .

Look at this colourful basket that I brought home from the Markets last week. A delight for the eyes as well as the palate!

LIVING LIKE KINGS -

Part 2

The Farmers Market

Recently there has been some pressure to open up our quarantine regime to allow for the importation of more produce. It is felt that our tourist visitors do not always appreciate the seasonality of our produce supplies, and would dearly love to have access to the range of things they can enjoy on the mainland. Our government is going to trial the importation of apples, because they are, indeed, one of the things that do not grow really well here.

However, there is strong local opposition to going any further than that. Many have quarantine concerns. Others strongly believe this fertile little island is capable of producing all we really need. Many agree it is much better to eat what is local and seasonal.

A recently formed group, called "Sustainable Norfolk" decided to establish a Farmer's Market outside of our local hall on Saturday mornings, so we can not only see what really is available, but to bring the public into closer contact with the growers themselves. It is also great for small backyard producers to have the chance to bring their excess for sale and earn some pocketmoney.

Lovely fresh herbs are quickly sold.

These carrots and bananas may not be the smooth and symmetrical items you see displayed in neat rows on the mainland - but they taste much better!!

This has been a wonderful success, although we hope there will be more taking part in the future. It is an opportunity for growers to bring along their fresh (very) produce and sell it direct to their customers. It is also providing a means of finding out just what people like to buy and try, and perhaps grow new things for those of us who really appreciate good healthy food.


And one thing I have sensed, as we have faced a degree of financial hardship in recent times, is that more people are striving to make their mealtimes more special, and are savouring the special delights on offer in the food lines. The bigger luxuries may have to wait, but there is no reason why we should not be making the most of the small ones!

Anyone who comes along to the Saturday markets cannot fail to feel the "good vibes" there. It has become a great social occasion, a chance to meet up and chat, and perhaps even share recipes and ways of preparing the vegetables.

There is a "no plastic bag" policy at the Farmers Market - another sensible and sustainable practice. I am sure, that others, like me, have taken great delight in bringing out the special baskets they may have had at home, lying unused.

As well as fruit and veges, people have been selling home made pasta and sushi, baked goods and jams, even boxes of firewood kindling.

This last week, Parks and Wildlife had masses of Norfolk Island native trees available for people who presented vouchers they had received in the mail. This was most popular!

Next year, I think I will make a special effort to produce enough marmalade to sell from time to time.

A little lamb came to market on Saturday - much to everyone's delight.

LIVING LIKE KINGS - part 1

We may have missed out on a vice-regal visit a couple of weeks ago, but here on Norfolk Island we often feel we can live like kings and queens. Hard economic times have not passed us by, but I often say that Norfolk Island is the best place in the world to be poor. We seem to eat so well.

Most Norfolkers are actually very proud of the fact that we grow almost all of our fresh produce right here on Norfolk Island, with the exception of some of our potatoes and onions, garlic and ginger (although these are grown here.)

It means that everything is seasonal, and you often have to plan your menu around what is available at the time. It also means there are periods of time when you go without certain items, and it can be either feast or famine.

There are plenty of pluses, of course, including the fact that what we buy to eat is freshly picked and naturally ripened, and has been transported no more than a kilometre or two! We know where it has come from, and how it has been grown.

And although we have our share of pests and nasties, our strict quarantine status means that we can limit these, and there is an opportunity to grow using a minimum of pesticides and herbicides .

Matt is one young Norfolker who is proving that we can grow the very best of healthy produce both safely and in abundance. Matt farms his land out on Two Chimneys Road, and also on an area out at Simons Water.

Matt is one of a growing number of Norfolkers who would like Norfolk Island to be a showcase to the whole world in healthy sustainability!

Now just look at these pictures, taken one morning last week out at Simons Water.

The soil here is known as Steele's Point loam. It is rich and volcanic, and with careful management, Matt is making sure it stays that way. Healthy soils mean healthier plants and better nutrition.

A magnificent crop of pumpkins stretches the length of the paddock.

There is scarcely a weed to be seen - so that all the nutrients go to the vegetables!

Carrots are my favourite vegetable. It looks as if we will have a good supply in the coming weeks!

I have so much to show and tell you about this topic that I have decided to spread it over a few blogs.

SIGNS OF SPRING

It all started with just a jam tin of bulbs. And people said that Norfolk Island was too warm to grow them successfully anyway.

But from those humble beginnings just a few years ago, Edie and Jack's garden is a sea of gold every year from late winter to mid-Spring.

Last year, Edie and Jack dug up all the bulbs and gave thousands away before re-planting them - and they are almost as thick as ever now!

They have wandered into daughter Sandy's house next door, where they present an equally impressive show.

No one seems to be able to grow them quite as successfully as the Macks. Perhaps they just like the south easterly aspect down there at the end of Collins Head Road - or maybe it is because we don't give them the same loving care.

There are plenty more colourful plants in this garden. It is hard to believe that this active and energetic couple are past their four score years. They have admitted to getting a little help with the weeding this year - but there a very few younger people who would be brave enough to take on a flower garden of this size!

Whenever you visit "Tolcairn" you are bound to come away with a cutting or two, or some side shoots with roots - and my garden has a number of plants that have come from Edie's over the years. She is most generous in spreading the gardening pleasure!

Edie is a floral artist, and has passed on her skills to many people. So I suppose that the garden is a bit like her "store room", providing material for her Craft.

Mind you, the vegetable garden and orchard are equally productive, although that is more Jack's area. And there is always plenty to give away from there too!

My pictures do not do it justice, but this garden looks over a valley filled with pines, and at this time of year, all the terns are returning to the island for their summer breeding season. It is a magnificent sight. Beyond that is the sea and Phillip Island.

It is truly a little paradise haven!