BAG-MAKING WORKSHOP
Single-use plastic carry bags are now history (but not vegetable bags, bread wrappers, vegetables packed on a plastic tray and wrapped in cling-wrap, you’ll notice). So those who relied on them to line their kitchen bins must seek another solution.
But if you wanted an alternative to actually carry things in, you’d have been in luck at BrisLETS’ July Trading Day at the Peace Hall, Albion.
There, members Ishka McNulty and Jo Nelson displayed boomerang bags they’d made, for the benefit of other interested members. These bags came in different sizes – even one suitable for carrying French bread – and in fabrics such as denim, old sheets, hessian and net curtains.
Ishka and Jo also brought bags in various stages of assembly. With a sewing machine available, participants watched as a bag was assembled under Jo’s directions.
Participants went home inspired to dig out their stash of spare fabrics and start making their own boomerang bags. They make great gifts!
STORYTELLING SESSION
For this new BrisLETS activity, a dozen or so members came together to hear each other’s stories on the theme of “A narrow escape”. Some just wanted to listen, and that was okay too.
Dawn kicked off with “Integration”, the story of young Leo going to school and facing his fears and the challenges of autism.
Simon’s “Political suicide” story stemmed from his experience of elections at school. A possible life as a full-time politician was averted, which meant he could channel his talents into sustainable living.
Jessie’s “Cliffhanger” story recalled her near-death experience involving rain, mud and a non-stop truck at Rockhampton in a blue Datsun 1000.
Rosie’s “Blackberrying” story was about sacrificing the fruit she picked with her brother to avoid being gored to death by a bull.
Josephine came within an inch of becoming a piano teacher until she realised she didn’t really want to do this.
Tony reminded us how few male turtles are born now, due to global warming, and handed out postcards for us to send to politicians to take action.
Jeni slipped and fell while locked in her home, alone. Great problem-solving skills connected her to her almost out-of-power phone and then to her rescuers.
Elizabeth recalled how, when very young, she and a girlfriend were confronted by a flasher. Terrified, they ran under a grandstand and into toilets that were about to be locked for a year.
Sharing stories in this way gives us insights into each other’s lives and interests. Our noisy, talkative world can sometimes make it hard to get to know others.
Next month’s Storytelling theme will be “How embarrassing!” See you there?
Josephine Brown