Best works on display

More than 1100 entries have been judged since Monday in categories including photography, patchwork, cross stitch, beading, embroidery and cooking.

Dawn Blackwell from the Council of Cottage Industries said the committee had been working hard to bring more entries in from community groups, including local schools, disability and aged-care groups.

“We want to know what sort of crafts people and kids are doing at home and at school,” she said. 

“It is the only way we can keep up with the times and also the demand. 

“We need to know what is on the curriculum at schools so that we can keep the momentum going and keep people interested.”

This year nearly half of all entries were received from schools including Avoca, Mowbray, Trevallyn and Waverley primary schools as well as Miss B’s student services.

Mrs Blackwell said 205 students submitted pieces across a number of categories and that it was very important to continue traditional cottage industry practices with the younger generations.

"Cooking shouldn’t be a dying art,” she said.

“However, obviously with takeaway shops you can always buy a cake from the supermarket.

“We want young ones to still be reaching for grandma’s cookbook.

“What our judges are looking for here shouldn’t be bought from a shop.”

With the future of the Royal Launceston Show currently under scrutiny, Mrs Blackwell said without a show the Council of Cottage Industries, including the committee of 25 volunteers, would be forced to go their separate ways. 

"Without a show these ladies would go elsewhere,” she said.

“For them it would be a loss, but our concern is for the community.

“This is such a great opportunity to bring together disabled services, the children and the people who want to see the work.

“It would just be a complete loss.”

All entries can be viewed for free through the show.