Residents and visitors to the state's North-East made the most of the sunny weather on Sunday afternoon by visiting the stunning gardens of an almost two-century old Georgian-style home for its annual fundraiser.
The fifth Market Day in the Garden took place at Franklin House in Youngtown to raise funds for the general maintenance and day-to-day upkeep of the 183-year-old property.
Franklin House was built in 1838 by former convict Britton Jones, a Launceston brewer and innkeeper, before later becoming a school for boys from 1842 until 1866.
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By 1960, the grand manor had become the first heritage property taken over by the National Trust in Tasmania.
Franklin House Committee chairperson Julie Dineen said the annual event was initially created as a family fun day, but had since grown to also accommodate a range of stalls and activities.
"We try to keep the Franklin House museum open to the public all year round, seven days a week, but lately, because of a decrease in tourists from interstate, it has been quieter than usual, so it would be really good to get more support from the local community," she said.
A Devonshire tea and barbecue were provided for visitors to enjoy while sitting beneath the shade of an 180-year-old year old Oak Tree, listening to the Launceston Clarinet Choir and the Launceston City Band performing a range of rhythmic pieces.
Scattered across the establishment's pristine lawns were stalls selling a variety of products, including handcrafted accessories, art and second-hand goods.
Bursts of vibrant colour from the facility's blossoming flowers weren't the only objects lifting onlookers' moods, as a range of Dutch acrylic paint pouring art also proved to be a popular drawcard.
Owner of TM Art Natasha McConnell said she had spent a significant amount of time hobby hunting before discovering the careful European technique.
"I just love colour, and events like this enable me to show off exactly what I can do with it," she said.
People of all ages were encouraged to participate in the event's croquet classes, which were held by Northern Tasmanian Croquet Centre Committee member Lee Turner.
"We'd love to see younger people get involved in it ... it's a very competitive sport that requires a strategic approach," she said.
"Even if you don't want to compete, it's still a great game to play on a beautiful day like today," Visit Franklin House TAS on Facebook.
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Luke Miller
I am a council and general news reporter at the Examiner. If you have any issues or information regarding local government, please contact me via email at luke.miller@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
I am a council and general news reporter at the Examiner. If you have any issues or information regarding local government, please contact me via email at luke.miller@austcommunitymedia.com.au.
