THERE’S something quite charming about Dungog Tea Party.
Each year it draws locals and visitors to admire a room brimming with colourful, quirky creations that hark back to a gentler time.
Last week more than 1300 people filed through the historic James Theatre – itself a throwback to yesteryear – to scrutinise the entries. Almost 400 poured in on opening day.
Who’d have thought 150 tea cosies and 60 trivets, all lovingly made by patient hands, could still warm a world where cold, AI-driven machine technology seemingly now holds sway?
“Tea cosies and trivets are more popular than ever,” co-organiser Erika Seck said.
“Our entries arrive from all over the region and the country, and more competitive events like ours are spring up.
“People still love to make them and people still love to see the infinite variety of the entries.”
Lyne MP Alison Penfold opened the display, set up by a committee comprising president Margaret Flannery, secretary Erika Seck and treasurer Pauline Cambourne, and their small team of volunteers.
It was heartening to see that a very human creative and competitive spirit was alive and well in each imaginative (often wacky) entry across seven categories.
Joanna Cartwright’s winning Tea Cosy of the Year entry earned her the $500 first prize and 12 months of bragging rights. Just as clever was Peter Shelton’s automotive-inspired Trivet of the Year.
The future of the three-day event seems to be in good hands: students from Dungog High School and the shire’s primary schools submitted more than 200 colourfully drawn and painted entries.
The party thrives because of community support.
“The tea party could not happen without the support of our sponsors and the local businesses that get into the spirit of the event,” Ms Seck said.
“Dungog gets an economic boost that also flows further. Visitors not only explore the town, but often return to explore the shire.”
To provide fresh challenges, entry categories change each year. Next year they will be: My Original Creation, My Bouquet, Picnic Time, T-mania, Farmhouse Finds, Recycled, and Treasured Memories.
The 2027 Dungog Tea Party will be staged from 8 to 12 September, with entries due by 22 August.
More workshops are planned in the lead-up.
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