Another good reason to visit Marlborough....

The Wither Hills Farm Park, on the Blenheim boundary, is a Council owned working farm, but has also been developed for walkers, runners and cyclists. Walks range from flat to easy uphill, taking from 10 minutes to 2 hours plus. Visit here for more detailed information.

Joan

The Felters' Handshake

Remember, you are the fashion!

Joan

Tour: Havelock

Saturday 28th April
Tour 2 Havelock (green lip mussel capital of the world)

Drive towards Nelson and the Pelorus Sound.

View the Pelorus Harbour and channel from a breath-taking vantage point, then meander around the moored yachts and boats in the marina, and visit the unique shops. Enjoy lunch at The Mussel Pot or Slip Inn restaurants.

On the return journey to Blenheim, stop at the Riverlore Gallery  to view the PWN ‘Flight’ Exhibition, and also visit textile artist Catherine Lawes’ gallery. 

Card with image of ‘STONE 2’ WALL by Catherine Lawes

Joan

Tour: Historical

Saturday 28th April
Tour 1 Historical

The Omaka Aviation Heritage Centre is a “must see” when visiting Blenheim (great for husbands/partners).

Adjacent to this is the Omaka Classic Cars.

You can choose to go to Omaka for an hour or so to take in these wonderful displays.

Those who do not wish to go to the Aviation Heritage Centre can call at the Brayshaw Heritage Park, which includes a wide range of vintage and historical displays plus the Marlborough Museum.

Then visit The Honey Company for free tastings.

Catch up with the tour again at Wither Hills Winery for wine tasting and lunch [or other winery of your choice].

Please note: all lunches and entry to the Aviation Heritage Centre, Omaka Classic Cars and Marlborough Museum are at your own cost.

Joan

Tour: Picton

Friday 27th April
Tour 2 Picton

Enjoy a leisurely drive to Picton where you will be treated to a magnificent view over the harbour, and indulge in a half hour shopping in the quaint souvenir shops and galleries.

Return to Blenheim via Uncle Joe’s Walnut & Hazelnut Farm and Woodend Gardens.

If time permits, you could also visit Makana Confections for a chocolate fix.

And Traditional Country Preserves

Joan

Tour: Rapuara Road

Friday 27th April
Tour 1 Rapuara Road

Visit Makana Confections: see the hand made chocolates being prepared and also have a taste.
Take in Traditional Country Preserves: great for jams and pickles – all made on the premises. Visit the Art Gallery upstairs.

Further down the road call into The Vines Village, where you can visit the Quilters Barn, Wool Baa, Country Clothing, Bouldevines - The Wine Cellar, Great Tastes of New Zealand {previously Prenzels}, The Fudge Factory, also Shelley’s for coffee or café style meals.

Then to Riverlore Gallery, where the PWN ‘Flight’ Exhibition will be hung.

Finish at Catherine Lawes textile art gallery

‘Buttermere Fell’

Joan

STOP PRESS: Karen Selk's Post Festival Workshop is Full

Karen Selk's post Festival workshop 'Silken Kaleidoscope' is now full. You are most welcome to put your name on the waiting list but please don't send any money at this stage.

Highlight Tours - Overview

For all bookings, contact Colleen or David or visit their website.
Highlight Tours
167 Vickerman St, Grovetown, Blenheim 7202
Phone 03 577 9046 or 0800 494 638

All tours will leave at 10.00am outside the Marlborough Convention Centre and cost $50 per person per tour with a minimum of 6 passengers. Approximately 3 hour’s duration. Colleen & David will adapt these tours to suit everyone’s requirements, so they are happy to mix them up a bit!! Suggested tours will be detailed in future blog posts

Friday 27th April
Tour 1 Rapuara Road
Tour 2 Picton

Saturday 28th April
Tour 1 Historical
Tour 2 Havelock

Please note that all lunches and entry to the Aviation Heritage Centre, Omaka Classic Cars and Marlborough Museum are at your own cost.

A textile triptych of Marlborough vineyards by Christine Marks

Joan

Meet the Presenters - Brian Kitson

I became involved with alpacas in 1995 with the purchase of a small breeding herd, which has now grown to nearly 100. I suppose that coming from 5 generations of fibre processors, it was not surprising that I became engrossed in the fibre side of the industry.

I find alpaca to be an exciting fibre to work with. It has been processed on a craft basis in South America for around 6000 years. In the 1800’s Sir Titus Salt was manufacturing 18 miles of alpaca fabric per day but in spite of this by 1990 there was very little knowledge, understanding or experience with alpaca outside of South America.

The past 16 years have involved a continual learning experience which was not limited by boundaries associated with a more established fibre. I have some successes and I have a few failures but collectively it all adds to our understanding of this unique fibre.

At the Festival, I will be speaking on ‘Alpaca Processing, Product and Potential’.

Brian Kitson showing an interested group the sample piece for their first run of New Zealand made fabric.

Brian will present "Alpaca processing, product and potential".

Joan

The Weavers' Handshake

Remember, you are the fashion!

Joan