Winners were grinners at Allity’s Tannoch Brae residential aged care home with residents taking home 20 awards at the Royal Geelong Show.
The talented group scooped the pool with 10 first places, seven second places and three third places in the Horticulture and Handcrafts prize categories.
Residents won awards for crocheting, knitting, mosaics, painting, colouring, diamond art and a group entry themed ‘In the Garden’.
Resident Francis Chakir, 88, won first place and best exhibit for a hand-stitched Victorian doll in a wedding dress from 1885 in the Handicrafts category.
“It was an exciting time,” Francis said.
“I won two first prize awards, one for a felt doll and a poodle. Winning the best exhibit was an achievement and unexpected.
“I won a second prize for knitted Jack and Jill dolls. It was unbelievable to get the awards and I felt really surprised by myself.
“I was pleased for our other entrants who did quite well too, so it was congratulations all around.”
Francis said she had loved art and craft from a young age.
“Art and craft give you an ability for your mind to travel from where you are and the situation you’re in and gives you the freedom and the ability to do something great,” she said.
“It’s about making something out of nothing and being surprised at the results.
“I can create something so small and miniature which is something a child can hold and love it and keep it as a keepsake and pass it onto their own baby.”
Allity Tannoch Brae Lifestyle Services Coordinator Mary Simms said Francis has a natural flair to be able to create amazing things from her imagination.
“Teddy bears have been dressed, little dolls have been made, she’ll have a small amount of wool left from something – and all of a sudden, you’ll have a little knitted mouse or the like – it’s just the sort of person Francis is,” she said.
“She was very proud and stated that she was sure her mother and father would have been proud along with her twin sister.
“She has sent photos of her craft work and certificates to her children and grandchildren.”
