Here is where to find out who and what the Abbey Girls are all about.
The Abbey Girls In Town
Collaroy Beach, Sydney NSW
22 - 24 October, 1999
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The Salvation Army Convention Centre resounded to the cries of welcome and greetings between Abbey Girls who hadn’t seen each other for 2 years - in fact, since the last camp in Adelaide. The ladies at the registration desk were kept busy as we had a record number of campers - including 7 men. Room keys and goodies bags were given out and then attention was turned to the raffle and merchandise tables. Light refreshments were provided, and the decibel level of reunion chatter rose steadily! |
| Unfortunately the NSW President, Mercedes, was unable to attend the
camp as, in the true Abbey tradition, she had to travel to Los Angeles to
assist her daughter before and after the birth of twin daughters! These
beautiful babies were even given Abbey names - Alyssa Grace and Hayley
Rose.
Following camp tradition, each room was named - this time with EJO book titles. Everyone received a souvenir dust jacket of their room name, courtesy of Barbara’s hard work. |
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The official welcome by Jean was followed by the unveiling of the Centennial Quilt (as Joan and Joy would have been born in 1899). Pat and Julia came up with this idea when the Sydney camp was first suggested. All Abbey Girls from Australia, New Zealand and England were asked to contribute a square. The many and varied quilt squares were a delight to see. The talented Abbey Girls sent in squares of cross-stitch, applique, ribbon embroidery, photocopies, fabric painting, patchwork, knitting, beading, crochet, lacework and stencilling. Each square told a story and Pat did all the hard work of putting it all together - as well as making the centrepiece of the Abbey gatehouse surrounded by all the flowers of the Abbey Queens - and Australian state flowers to represent the Abbey Girls of Australia. Pat also made some additional squares: one for the new Abbey twins, one to represent the Guides, plus a couple of others. Some squares were made in memory of loved Abbey Girls who are no longer with us - a reminder that true friendship lives on. Pat finished the quilt with maypole ribbons and Morris bells. At this time contributors were asked to talk about their squares and how they chose their subjects.
A short intermission for supper was followed by an audio visual - “In Search of the Abbey Girls” - Cleeve (of course!), Whiteleaf Cross and Village, Princes Risborough, the Lake District, etc: Pat’s and Julia’s pictures of their trips around Abbey scenery. The Silent Pool was just as I had imagined it from Elsie's writing, and the bluebells in the woods were so beautiful; this was such a treat for those of us who have never been to “Abbey country”.
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Despite a late night, the Campfire members were up bright and early for a 7 o’clock meeting on Saturday morning. This was the first time that the Victorian group, Camp Kiyugan, was welcomed into the Grand Council of Camp Aowakiya. I felt very honoured to be asked to take part in the opening part of the ceremony, lighting the candle of health. This was only my second meeting as I had joined the Campfire at the Adelaide camp - the only member from NSW. A new member was welcomed into the Campfire, and then we all talked about what special meaning the Campfire Law held for us individually. This special hour, I felt, buoyed us through the rest of the day. |
Breakfast was followed by a choice of workshops:
Mary Dorothy’s Dancing Class (Julia & Rupert),
Rubber Stamping & Making Cards (Marilla),
and Singing the “Prophet’s” Songs (Diana).
As I was holding workshops during the other 2 sessions, I took this opportunity to wander around all 3 of these workshops. Everyone seemed to have such a good time at all of these that it was hard to tear myself away from them!
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A short break for morning tea, and we were transported back in time by Grace Thompson to see clothes from the Abbey era. Many of these were baby and toddler clothes, but there were also women’s clothing and underwear. Grace is a collector and restorer of old clothing and memorabilia. Her love and enthusiasm for her subject is infectious. Grace often referred to the clothing as though to the person who wore it, and had us all laughing with many stories handed down with the clothing. This session was most enjoyable!
Although the weather was cold and overcast, we were told that we had to have our Camp Photo taken outdoors - something to do with the reflection of the flash from the walls. There was a lot of rearranging of everyone, but finally, just as the rain started, we were finished. I think the results were worth the time spent.
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It was quite a rush to get the book and craft stalls set up before lunch, but as a reward we had this lovely companion, and a fantastic view of ocean and headland from the dining room. Despite the inclement weather, the panoramic scenery from all the rooms was spectacular. |
| A real treat was in store for us. There was a demonstration by the Albion Fair Northwest Clog Morris Dancers. Albion Fair have written many of their own dances, in addition to performing the traditional dances. It is interesting to see that folk and morris don't remain static - they evolve. This was a different style of morris from what would have been taught in the Abbey books - and the colour and style were fascinating. |
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Then came what every Abbey Girl waits for - the book and craft sale! There were a record number of stalls. The crafts included cards, wrapping paper, fridge magnets, keyrings and t-shirts. The room was packed with bargain seekers and avid collectors hunting for additions to their (already extensive) collections. The crowd was so dense you could almost think you were at the GB after-Christmas sale! A great time was had by all, and many missed their afternoon tea - still browsing each stall in hopes of a desired treasure. |
| The afternoon workshops were: Country Dancing (Patricia), Abbey Games and Puzzles - where one of the tasks was to complete an Abbey short story about Rosemary and Myonie having adventures in the Manor attic (Judy - me!), and we had a special guest, Jeanette Christian, to teach glass painting. Everyone was able to make a stained glass window card, a bookmark and a jar. The intent looks on these faces show that this was a marked success! |
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Some free time was allowed for those who needed to practice their concert item, but as usual jigsaw corner was a draw for the addicts - not only in the spare moments! The table was strategically placed so that people were still involved in the other activities (watching the dancing, or listening to the guest speakers) while puzzling. Some lovely jigsaws were provided - as you can see! Ley brought a lovely 40 year old puzzle of a village scene with morris dancers. |
In addition, people were invited to spend up big on tickets for the Grand Raffle - and to wander around the wonderful displays. Here is Barbara's maypole with our NSW Queens' dolls looking on. In the foreground are the Abbey Queens made by Pat - Jen in her beech brown robe is on the left. There is also made a Woodend uniform for us to admire. Pat had spent many hours putting together information on the history of crafts mentioned in the Abbey books with quotations from the books. These were enthralling to read. The quilt from the Adelaide camp was also on display.
The Hamlet Club Evening
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The Reluctant Queen by Queen Heather
At first I said 'twas not my scene:
I'd never thought of
being a queen.
Though lots of crownings I attend,
The greatest pleasure's
meeting friends -
And what a wonderful chance to say
I love meeting
readers of Elsie J.
This honour I did not deserve,
The very thought left me
unnerved!
But Sydney friends excel at persuasion
And did indeed change the
equation:
For then I said I'd take this part
To redeem Queen Heather -
but have a heart!
The minute I said yes, I read
Her defence in "Folly" -
and it must be said,
That I can never hope to strive
Towards her stunning
success in life!
This shock sent me into such a flip
I forgot to renew my
membership;
And I've only just sent in my square
Though I've had years to
be prepared.
Last Wednesday, as I sewed my train
Oh, how I wished for
Margia Lane!
Now thanks to all who've shared with me,
To make this event
go swimmingly.
To all my Sydney friends, and Canberra too,
For the work
and fun - I do thank you.
The procession really was a thrilling sight,
And it's a
pleasure to be here tonight!
To continue tradition's a wonderful
chance.
Now - can we change our frocks and dance?
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The parade of Queens was indeed impressive - Hilary joined in carrying a cushion to represent those who could not join us. Our two monks were Rupert and David (Queen Heather's consort). In her absence, the Cornflower Queen's (Mercedes) doll stood at the foot of the podium keeping an eye on the proceedings - and to mark her 10th anniversary of her crowning, Mercedes had organised for everyone to have a small gift of a blue or white candle.
Mary made a wonderful MC for the evening and kept things running smoothly - or as smoothly as is possible for a group of 86 Abbey Girls! Nancy (the Poppy Queen) received her crown of forget-me-nots and her forget-me-not brooch before leading Heather in to receive her crown of narcissus. Nancy was attended by Stephanie, the granddaughter of the Lobelia Queen, and Heather was attended by Merry, daughter of Rosemary.
Following the crowning we had a wonderful evening of dancing called by Patricia from NSW, and Gillian (aka Mrs Thistle) who lives in Cheltenham (this seemed particularly appropriate!), interspersed with concert items.
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The concert items were many and varied - what a range of talents! The Queensland group gave a play entitled "EJO, Some Friends and a Nightingale". The nightingale was Elspeth, and what a lovely voice she has. The Victorian group (above) performed a shortened version of the play "Daisy Pulls It Off". Deanne (above) from SA gave a display of belly dancing. The SA group gave a musical item (written by Jo at 2 o'clock one morning) in two parts: "Knick Knack An Abbey Girl", and in quiz fashion for audience participation, "Knick Knack An Abbey Romance".
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The NSW contingent (above) danced a much abbreviated version of some figures from the Running Set, and Ley from SA gave a demonstration of Tai Chi - how graceful this was. The festivities ended in true Abbey style with everyone dancing Sellenger's Round.
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Following supper people were offered a final chance to buy raffle tickets and Queen Heather had the delightful task of opening her crowning gifts, with a little help from her friends to keep the cards straight. The variety of these was amazing. The givers had used their imagination and talents well and Heather has memories to last her a lifetime. As we had overstayed our welcome in the conference room, we had to postpone the drawing of the Grand Raffle till the following morning and go to bed - but not to sleep! |
| "There were three in the bed, and the little one said..."
Midnight feasts abounded during the night - despite the full program and the exhaustion levels! Elaine, Diana (Pixie) and Barbara were obviously not working hard enough as hostesses if they had the energy for a midnight feast! Susan caught them in the act. Just remember we have an early start tomorrow, ladies. |
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Sunday morning already! Although the early morning walk had been cancelled (more rain), we were still up bright and early - well, most of us. The Grand Raffle had been scheduled for 7am. More than one feaster was late to pick up a prize that had been won!
Breakfast was followed by an Ecumenical Service led by Sue Conde. Sue is Pastoral Co-ordinator at Gordon Uniting Church, and is Assistant Chief Commissioner of Guides Australia. The service was a "Celebration of Friendship", and Sue explained to us the guide laws and how they can help us in life, and our friendships. We sang hymns written by John Oxenham (Elsie's father) and participated in a litany taken from one of his poems. This service summed up for me the essence of the Abbey Girls Club and the ways in which we relate to one another.
We then had the great pleasure of a visit by Dr Carole Cusack, a lecturer in Medieval History at Sydney University. She told us the history of monasticism in general, and the Cistercians in particular. Carole made the subject come alive and related many amusing anecdotes along the way. This was a fascinating insight into the lives of monks and lay brothers of long ago.
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Our final session of workshops included the Running Set (Lynette), Book Collecting on the Internet ( Barbara, John and Judy) and a great demonstration on Simple Repairs for the Book Owner (Michael Mathew). Michael (above) is a former Secretary of the NSW Guild of Craft Bookbinders Inc. He showed those present how to replace end papers, recase books and similar tasks that can be carried out with limited equipment. This was very useful as the treasures we find are not always in top condition. We were lucky to have such an expert to explain these procedures to us.
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All too soon it was time for our closing ceremony and to hand over to Melbourne who will host the next camp (see below). Jean said a few words, and Diana’s singing class led us all in a rendition of “What Shall We Do With A Drunken Sailor?” from Cecil Sharp’s collection of songs. Ronda said a few words on behalf of Mercedes, cut the camp cake (made by Nancye - well done!), officially handed “the torch” to Melbourne, and then we finished by singing “Abbey Capers” for which Diana had written a new verse.
The sadness that comes with the close of a wonderful experience was alleviated by the knowledge that we get to do it all again in 2001 in Melbourne!
VICTORIAN ABBEY GIRLS OF AUSTRALIA
INVITE YOU TO
Melbourne 2001
FRIENDS IN THE ABBEY
JOIN US IN THE GARTH FOR OUR MAY
QUEEN PARADE AND CROWNING
WALK IN THE SHADED CLOISTERS WITH A FRIEND (OR
TWO)
SPEND SOME PEACEFUL TIME IN THE LIBRARY OR THE QUIET ROOM
ENJOY YOUR
MEALS IN THE REFECTORY
TO BE HELD IN CROYDEN VICTORIA
20 - 21 OCTOBER, 2001
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