Two will be missed

Ettalong Beach Arts and Crafts Centre has paid tribute to two of its former members who died recently.

Vice president Ms Dorothy Mulholland said the group was saddened to hear of the passing of "two wonderful women" who contributed to the centre over the years.

Ms Mulholland said the centre's first patchwork tutor Ms Margaret Hannaford and former pottery student Ms Roz Fischer would be sadly missed.

"Margaret Hannaford first joined Ettalong Beach Arts and Crafts Centre in June 1989, and began teaching patchwork and quilting in September of the same year," Ms Mulholland said.

"Margaret, a talented fabric artist and embroiderer, had won many prizes with the quilt designs.

"She favoured hand piecing and quilting and her work was quite distinctive.

"Her ribbon embroidery was beautiful and she taught local students this skill in her many workshops held at our centre.

"Margaret joined the committee in June 1992 and was actively involved on the running of the centre, playing a vital role in the organisation of our Christmas exhibitions.

"Margaret's stall was always well patronised and I think she enjoyed the challenge of producing a variety of items for sale.

"She encouraged her patchwork students to display their quilts at these exhibitions and so began the wonderful display of quilts that we enjoy today.

"It was in late 1997 that Margaret became president of the centre.

"Margaret served in this position for one and a half years.

"She continued teaching until the end of 1999, when she retired."

Ms Fischer joined the centre in 1990.

"Roz had an artistic flair and her love of raku and pit firing was passionate," Ms Mulholland said.

"Roz could always be found in the firing pit stacking pots, always thinking about ways to get the best out of the firing.

"Her raku work was beautiful.

"The pots thrown by Roz on the wheel were a delight in their form and she mastered the art of pot decoration and glazing to such a degree that her work stood out.

"Roz was always happy to share her knowledge with her fellow students and our potting experience was richer as a result of her enthusiasm.

"Roz, together with her husband Bill, moved up to the North Coast several years ago where she continued making pots.

"She remained in contact with her friends at the centre and will be sadly missed by those who knew her."

Newsletter, 13 Jul 2009 Dorothy Mulholland, Ettalong Beach Arts and Crafts Centre