Henley-on-Thames , England
11th ,12th ,13th May 2001
Report by Alan Pooley
Please click HERE to see pictures of this years Festival.
Please click HERE for the G.D.S. Regional Comp. results of this years Festival.
| British Dollmaking Festival Henley-on-Thames , England 11th ,12th ,13th May 2001 Report by Alan Pooley | Please click HERE to see pictures of this years Festival. |
A Tall Story
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The river Thames, sparkling in the early morning sunshine, is already alive with row boats skimming the surface, powered by athletic young men and women. Below a flock of sheep and a few frisky rabbits watched by a wily old fox complete this wonderful scene. This is my favourite time of day. Fawley Court stands proud, its warm red stone work in excellent condition. They say that this site has been coccupied for over 1000 years. Happy homo-sapiens pass by clutching a magazine declaring that this weekend people will be attending a British Dollmaking Festival at Fawley Court. These occaisions I really enjoy, and with the benifit of my great height I can watch it all unfold. I understand that these people are members of two societies recognized by their abbreviations GDS and DAG. I wonder how they will cope with my name ? Several members are already arriving clutching their carefully wrapped bundles. More babies I see, same as last year - must be the Henley air. The staff are busy in the house ; it looks like they are expecting many visitors. Strangely the members all enter the main hall with their offspring and leave without them. Another lovely morning and clearly everyone is content to sit around and chat. The day passes and eventide descends upon the meadow. Most have retired except just a few ; doesn't that lady from Belgium ever rest ? The new day starts with a rush for breakfast, that's a good sign that everyone is relaxed and enjoying the occaision. Something has happened. A man called Philip has caught a fish in the river." How big ? " cry the gathering crowd The fisherman spreads his hands wide apart. His audience gasps with disbelief and hurriedly follow to see his capture. Yes it is large. The scene is photographed and the fish returned to the river. I sense that this evening must be the climax of the festival. Members are emerging fron the house. they all appear to have enjoyed the meal served by the young Polish staff. Some I notice are carrying bottles of wine. They are proceeding to the hall from which strange sounds are eminating. I still prefer the music of former times particularly when the guests were dressed in all their finery. Such lovely gowns I recall. The visitors have dressed their babies in similar fashion but not themselves - such a pity. I am unable to see into the hall but from the huge amount of clapping they must be enjoying themselves immensly. The final day has dawned, new visitors fron Henley have arrived and some have departed. I understand that over 180 members from 10 different countries have attended the festival. It is a joy to see so many happy faces. In my early days I travelled from America, back then I was a mere sapling. The famous landscape gardener, Capability Brown, planted me here in 1771. I have no intention now of moving at my age .I have firmly put my roots down here at Fawley Court. I have enjoyed the company of these happy people. I wonder if they will return ? I hope so. Meanwhile the sheep will have been clipped for their wool and the rabbits will have had another litter or two. Maybe, just maybe the members of the societies will have more young babies to bring with them to Henley next year. |
| SEQUOIADENDRON GIGANTEUM (a very big tree ! ... alias Alan Pooley) |
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| The festival at Henley is a residential event exclusively for members of The Global Doll Society and Doll Artisan Guild |
| Thanks to the workshop leaders for all their hard work | |
| Chris Seddon , Julie Shrir Sue Maidment Carol Stanton Elizabeth Wilson Sonia Turner Jayne Elliott Ann Miller Wendy Whitter Ann Holtlien (Norway) Glenda Martin (USA) Gillie Charlson | Miniature mohair teddy Leather purse Doll with a Secret French Marotte Cold porcelain sculpting Sculpting with Paperclay Fashion accesssories Silk embroidery China painting Baby and pram Tiara |
| Thanks also to the Judges | |
| GDS | DAG |
| Carol Stanton Barbara Netherwood Sonia Turner Jeannine Scard Valborg Hetland Ann Holtlien Jane Davies | Karin Ericson (USA) Gudrun Kotaska Annette Schlegal Linda Eason |
| Many thanks to the Competition Managers |
| Gillian Richards , Elizabeth Wilson |