The Fingal Haven Craft Group, founded on April 23, 1996, annually raises funds for the Bill King aged care home. Bill King is home to a number of aged residents living with dementia.

“Money raised has gone towards the purchase of numerous items of equipment [such as] electric operated beds, a lifter to aid in transferring residents into beds, a blood pressure machine, and shower chairs,” Mollie Carter, the craft group’s long-term president, said. 

“Outdoor furniture has also been purchase, as has soft furnishings, bed and bathrooms linens and knitted and crocheted rugs. Many repairs have been made to curtains, linen and clothing where required and a number of throw-overs and runners for trolley made.”

Carole Goman, care co-ordinator of the Bill King aged care home, said two electric beds had been donated to residents by the group last week.

“Without the support of the Fingal Haven craft ladies there are many things we would not be able to do for our residents,” Ms Goman said.

One of the group’s largest fund-raisers for the year is its craft fair. The first craft fair was held on April 18, 1998.

“Over the years there have been street stalls, RSL stalls, raffles and fairs,” Ms Carter said. “Our annual fair is the major fund-raising event for the year.”

Members of the group, of which there are currently about 30, work throughout the year to create a range of items to sell at the fair.

Items include children and baby clothing, rugs, throw blankets, patchwork, table runners, embroidered towels, novelty Christmas items and miscellaneous items.

There will also be plants, books and cakes, pickles and jams made by members for sale.

This year’s fair will be held on Saturday, April 16 from 7.30am to 1pm. 

The fair will be held in the recreational hall at Fingal Haven, located on Farm Road.

There will be a sausage sizzle, Devonshire morning team and raffles available on the day.