Wycheproof and Nullawil were the destinations for the Charlton Red Hatters Group as members trekked up the Calder Highway for their May outing.

First stop was the Seniors Rooms in Wycheproof for a display and presentation of wool-inspired crafts by local artisans, featuring Juliya Ambrizas, who shared her knowledge of spinning and weaving with the visiting group. A long-term proponent of this craft, Juliya showed her spinning techniques using a spindle, along with presenting her diverse range of woven articles.

Also showcasing her wool-craft talents was Diane McNaughton, who had a colourful display of rugs made from home spun yarn.

With the cooler weather approaching the knitted beanies by Lyn Cossar were also appreciated. Lyn generously knits these cosy items of apparel for charity.

Adding to the visitors’ day was a drop in at the Wycheproof Op Shop which opened especially for the Red Hatters to browse and scan the aisles for a “treasure” or two!

A tasty meal at the Royal Mail Hotel saw the group fortified to head on to Nulawil for a look at the Trickbots Metal Art and Sculpture Garden. An incredible array of sculptures fashioned from “found” objects had the visitors fascinated by the ability to create recognizable articles from rejected materials.

Charlton Red Hatter, Aileen Wolfe said members had thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of their day’s outing.

The Red Hatters aim to support all the local communities, with members drawn from most of the surrounding Buloke towns.

This article appeared in The Buloke Times, 30 May 2025.