I'm still trying to catch up on my ATC swaps, nearly caught up once, then slipped behind again. Now I owe an international one as well, and must get that away this week or I'll be banned from future swaps, VBG.
Also this month I've made 2 trips to Bathurst to design and make 2 outfits for an 1880's travelling lady and a coach driver. The gent owns an original restored Cobb and Co coach, and his partner wanted to dress appropriately at their latest display. I went up on the XPT train, about a 3 hour trip for a fitting in early May, then again this past weekend to deliver the finished clothes and attend the display at Colonial Day at Abercrombie House in Bathurst.
The brochure describes the property as a Scottish Baronial mansion, and they weren't kidding, I was blown away by the sheer size of the place. Tours were being conducted inside the house, and lots of activities were taking place outside. Here are a couple of photos to whet your appetite, more to follow in the next post.
The tourists listening to information from the owner's son prior to the self guided tour.
The side of the house showing the tower and spires.
Lachlan Living History Group joined with 2 other groups to stage a battle between bushrangers, troopers (police) and soldiers (73rd Regiment of Foot) in a roped area in the front paddock. Spectators were treated to black gunpowder shooting, horses galloping and soldiers marching with fixed bayonets against the thieving bushrangers. This was an unrehearsed performance which seemed as much fun for them as for the audience, and due to the dull weather the photos of the shooting turned out quite eerily. It was great to see the attention to detail in the costuming too, which is my area of interest and expertise.
I also enjoyed lots of wildlife on the weekend including kangaroos, emus, king parrots, lemon tailed black cockatoos, horses and dogs. If the weather had been kinder, I would have been in absolute heaven. But Bathurst in May outdoors high on a hill ..... well the daytime temp was probably about 10 degrees celsius. Luckily I had my purple woollen overcoat and "gumnut baby" knitted hat to wear all day. The area has a certain appeal as a retirement location eventually, but my home would need good heating and cooling, I'm such a wus when it comes to weather extremes !! I'm sure I'll be going again with the better half later in the year to see Abercrombie and visit other Bathurst delights.
