Henley-on-Thames , England
5th, 6th & 7th May 2000
Report by Debbie Stanton
| British Dollmaking Festival Henley-on-Thames , England 5th, 6th & 7th May 2000 Report by Debbie Stanton |
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| Fawley Court was the venue for a brand new festival organised by myself with help from my friends, Gillian Richards & Barbara Connolly. This superb venue is an ideal setting for dollmakers to come together and enjoy their hobby and at the same time earn their awards in the Global Doll Society Regional Competition. Dollmakers were kept busy with a splendid choice of quality workshops. Those that were not taking workshops were enthralled by the beautiful market town of Henley-on-Thames with its many shops and restaurants in an idylic setting by the river Thames. We were extremely lucky to have brilliant sunshine during all three days of the festival, but even if it had been raining, I don't think it would have dampened the spirits. This was a special residential festival for members of the Global Doll Society and the Doll Artisan Guild only- an exclusive event just for them. We think that this made the event rather special, because apart from the wonderful surroundings , there was a great camaraderie and fellowship amongst members from both doll clubs. Or was it the cheap price and free booze ?!!. I was TOTALLY taken aback by the wonderful gift I received from you all - that was a big suprise. What a lovely character Teddy bear. I have named him "Sir Edward Henley" and will treasure him. My tearful thanks to each and every delegate at the festival. Thanks also for all the lovely tombola gifts and the £500 raised to help sick children . From a personal point of view , I can honestly say I have never enjoyed an event so much, (yes I know I am biased- BUT, when you organise these do's it is difficult to enjoy them !) . The highlight for me was the Thames boat trip, the Brakespears & that amazing dining room. I would like to thank all the workshop leaders : Sonia Turner, Gillie Charleston, Barabara Netherwood, Ute Mareczek, Ursula Sauer, Linda Eason, Linda Hearn, Ann Miller, Sue Allen, Elizabeth Wilson, Kim and Sylvie Littlechild, Mary Pooley, Linda Willens Sue Nightingale, Brenda Croucher and Joyce Foster for all their hard work. Also a big thanks must go to all our judges for the G.D.S. Competition: Jayne Davies, Hildegard Gunzel, Carol Stanton, Sonia Turner, Sandra Everett, Barbara Netherwood, Ute Mareczek, Gerhard Klos, Valborg Hetland, Ursula Sauer, Gillie Charleston. Special thanks aswell to my cohorts Gillian and Barbara, also to Carol, my husband Graham, toy boy Ralph and to Bob Richards for his charm and sophistication...... We were honoured to have the fully supported Doll Artisan Guild competition aswell to help make this event have something for everyone. Our thanks goes to Kitty Murks, Elizabeth Wilson, Annette Schlegel, Godrun Kotaska and Linda Hearn. Finally to all the delegates - thank you for trusting us and taking the plunge, all 158 of you, despite what I said in the brochure ! We received a petition signed by 130 delegates asking that we do it again next year. SO WE WILL ! Make a date for the 11th, 12th, 13th MAY 2001 |  Fawley Court  Inside the river boat  The magnificent dining hall  One of the many lovely houses that line this part of the Thames  The elegant "New Orleans" paddle steamer |
For full price details please contact Debbie Stanton CLICK HERE
 Bob, Vidor and Barbara C |  How many doll ladies can you fit into a van ? |  There were a few strange nocturnal sights |
 Sonia Turner hard at work |  A view of Henley Bridge |  Arriving at Fawley Court |
"Sir Edward Henley"
A marvelous gift from the delegates
--- THANK YOU ---