By Ben Grundy
The High Street Uniting Church in Frankston recently held its annual fete with a new addition to the festivities.
This year’s fete included the inaugural ‘Great Frankston Beanie Challenge’ exhibition.
Participants donated more than 120 handmade beanies for judging, selling and giving away in the inaugural year of the competition.
Beanies of all sizes, shapes and shades, formed an eye-catching display at the High Street Uniting Church.
Two international entries were received from 80-year-old Dr Douglas Dick who lives not far from Windsor Castle in the UK. And the youngest entrant, 12-year-old Alex Smith, from country Victoria, turned his hand to knitting a red baby’s beanie and crocheting an aqua adult’s beanie.
Organisers hope the number of young crafters will increase in future years
However the most prolific beanie knitter was Mrs Bronwen Mathews who made 10 beanies.
In addition to having the beanies judged by Mrs Edna Runciman and Mrs Betty Jeffery throughout the fete, visitors were invited to vote for their favourite woollen hat.
“As judges, we were looking at the finer details,” Mrs Jeffery said.
“Beanies need to have even tension, no loose ends or knots showing and have flat seams, especially for babies; always functional.”
Amongst stiff competition, and knitting with an injury, Mrs Bev Fowler took out the coveted ‘Best Beanie on Show’ with her lilac rabbit-themed baby’s beanie.
“I never thought I would win any prizes. I was recovering from hand surgery and knitted as therapy to improve the movement in my hand,” Mrs Fowler said.
Mrs Fowler also won the ‘Best Adult’s Beanie’ and her sister, Sadie Thurstans, placed third in the ‘Child’s Beanie’ class.
Organisers have expressed thanks to supporters of the event including Replenish Mind and Body Therapy at Pearcedale, Spotlight, Foot Street Newsagency, The Good Guys Frankston, Marilyn Downing, Frankston Pharmacy and all those who made and donated beanies.
Beanies not sold at the fete were donated to Community Support Frankston and will be distributed to people needing some extra warmth in the winter months.
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