Chick's Cackle Fest combines laughter, craft and faith

The annual Chicks Cackle Fest Craft Camp was held again on November 8-10 at Ridgecrest, Burrendong Dam (near Wellington).

'Ridgecrest' at Burrendong Dam provides a stunning venue for the annual women's craft weekend.

Hosted by women from the Anglican Diocese of Bathurst, this year’s theme was "Joy of Giving".

Chicks Cackle Fest Committee Coordinator, Daryl Clapham, said the theme was inspired by scripture: it is more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35).

"Chicks Cackle Fest Craft Camp started nine years ago as a way to help ladies to get together in fellowship, fun and laughter," she said. "Our mission is the celebration of being women, and that nurtures, supports and refresh

es through the example of Christian living by the sharing of gifts, talents and skills.

"This year we had ladies from 17 years of age to 70 plus years young. Almost a quarter of those attending were new ladies enjoying the craft camp for the first time.

"Talented tutors shared their skills in cross stitch, beading, felting, screen printing, decoupage, ribbon embroidery, pin pick cards, card making, tag making, sketching, machine stitched quillow, bead knitting, as well as some clever ideas for boxes and bows.

Thank you to all the people that gave up their time to show us how to do all these crafts."

Daryl Clapham said that every year the committee organises a trade table with the proceeds going to Anglicare. "Even though there was only a small group this year, we raised $77.75.

"It is an honour for me to help on the Chicks Cacklefest Committee," she added. "The time I giv

e is rewarded ten fold when I watch everyone go home wearing a really big smile … that is all the incentive that I need."

The 10th annual Chicks Cackle Fest Craft Camp will be on November 7-9, 2014.

"Come along, you will have such a great time and go home refreshed and renewed."

She also suggested putting Chick’s cackle fest on your Christmas or Birthday gift wish list - the committee will happily award gift vouchers for any amount.