For half a century Parkes Craft Corner has filled the Parkes main street with dozens of friendly faces and valued Craft Corner member, Anne Wright, has been there since day one.
Mrs Wright remembers the day the idea to start a shop like Craft Corner began.
"At the end of 1973 I was a member of a Pottery Class at the old Tafe College in Bushman Street when one day Mrs Valmai Klein said to our Teacher Mrs Kath Maguire, "what are we going to do with all these pots we are making?"
"Mrs Shirley Stewart-Noble who was standing beside Valmai said, "what we need is an outlet in this town where we can sell our pots etc"," Mrs Wright said.
Anne then recalled that four members, after much discussion were appointed to visit the Council to see whether they could help in any way with their suggestion.
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The four members being Kath Maguire, Joan Cole, Win Morris and Clare Chapman.
This visit was timed exceptionally well as the Motor Museum had opened in early 1973 in the workshop of Thomas Kenny on the corner of Bogan and Dalton Street.
At this time members of the motor museum were having trouble finding time to open the museum during the week as most had jobs and could only open during the weekend.
"So Council thought if they let us into the shop side of Thomas Kenny then we could man the Museum as well and this we did," Mrs Wright said.
"There was much discussion about this new outlet, and it was decided we would have pottery, paintings and spinning woollen articles. But then a few months later the woodworkers then the leatherworkers were added. Eventually all types of crafts were added."
Mrs Wright remembers the shop stopping lots of tourists as it was on the main road (Bogan Street).
"Due to the change in roadworks at that corner we had to move up to Dalton St to the old TAB building," she said.
"But while there the corner building next door to the TAB burnt down and this closed businesses opposite. Then there was no pedestrian traffic on that street so eventually Craft Corner was moved to the Reflection Jewellers site (now Colouby Creations) in the middle of the main street," Mrs Wright said.
The shop then moved to 257 Clarinda Street and then to where you can find it now at 235 Clarinda Street next to Arnold's.
Over the course of 50 years Parkes Craft Corner has had 11 presidents with the current being Ann Reginato.
Each president has brought their unique vision, passion and dedication to the role, leaving a lasting impact on group.
Parkes Craft Corner presidents include: Kath Maguire (1974-1977); Judy Kinsella (1977-1978); Win Morris (1978- 1994); Anne Wright (1994 -1995); Sue Burrell (1995 -1999); Rhonda Redenbach (1999 -2007); Zelma Fisher (2007-2009); Chushla Fuller (2009-2012); Judy Kinsella (2012- 2013); Rosemary Mitchell (2013-2019); Margaret Tanner (2019-2022) and Ann Reginato (2022- current).
Since 1974 Craft Corner's mission has been to provide a space where members could display their creative pottery, art and other crafts whilst connecting with like-minded individuals.
Craft Corner has evolved within its 50 years embracing the crafting world from days of pottery and lapidary to the current trends of resin art and modern crafting.
"As we look back on the past 50 years, we're filled with a deep sense of nostalgia and pride. We remember the banter at our monthly meetings, the joy of completed projects and the countless discussions with locals and travellers who've frequented Craft Corner. The next chapter of Craft Corner promises to be just as inspiring and dynamic," Parkes Craft Corner said.
"As we commemorate this milestone, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of our past presidents, committee, members and volunteers for their invaluable contributions to Craft Corner."
Craft Corner Members invite the community to join them in celebrating their golden anniversary and also the official opening of their new store on Thursday, August 8 at 10:30am.
It is sure to be a delightful day of friendship, coffee and cake, celebrating half a century of creativity and friendship at the beloved Craf Corner.
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