The 2019 Raise the Roof Spring Fair once again provided a chance for the community to come together and enjoy all the fun of the event on a beautiful spring day.
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Old and young alike wandered around the precinct on October 27 and were able to check out the homes of the Bega Valley Textile Group, The Valley Potters, Bega Access Radio, the Bega Valley Beekeepers, the Leadlighters and the Bega Men's Shed.
A variety of market stall owners took the opportunity to display their many and varied wares, while the musical performances of the Bega Brass Band as well as Jamie and Lillian entertained the crowd all day.
The Bega and Tathra Business House Chocolate Wheel, comprising of three draws and boasting total prize vouchers and products to the value of $3000, was run by Frog and resulted in 20 winners sharing the donated vouchers or goods.
The Friends of the Old Bega Hospital wanted to thank all the businesses for their support for the event's fifth year.
As usual, the cake stall saw a line up of people, all aware of the value in the home cooked donations on offer from cooks from across the Bega Valley.
Pat Jones, chair of the OBH Board of Management, with a couple of lost weavers, juggled cake selling and providing Devonshire teas.
Tucked away in another corner of The Cottage, Judy offered a selection of freshly homemade sandwiches, the makings of which were donated by Coles Bega.
As usual the Jellat Jellat firies were hot-footing it delivering great BarBQ tucker, and inside a front room in the nurses quarters Claire was doing her favourite thing - answering questions about the history of the Old Bega Hospital.
Meanwhile in a back room of the nurses quarters, Nelleke and her Bega CWA baking judges were kept busy tasting and testing offerings in the Bega Cheese/Alison Westblade sponsored Vegemite Cooking Competition.
Janelle and her leadlighting team's display of leadlight art always fascinates.
John Reynolds, board treasurer, had his head down writing out raffle tickets for the Friends' $3000 summer travel raffle and Lise captivated the children as she painted designs on their faces.
Around in the old operating theatre the weavers and spinners busily demonstrated and also conducted an indigo dyeing workshop.
Leah offered children a chance to paint a piece of pottery.
Michael took up pride of place on the steps leading to the main entrance of the old hospital.
The lockout fence was realigned for the fair, so people could have a photo taken in front of the damaged building and become part of its history before restoration works start, possibly in 2020.
Not far away Eric and his cohort of men's shed members were offering all sorts of woodworking equipment for sale, while Damien and his busy beekeepers explained the art of beekeeping to listeners.
The fair was a dog on a leash friendly day and many canine friends arrived to compete in Brett Rogers' jumping spectacular.
Southern Farm Supplies and Bemboka Phoenix Bulk Foods sponsored the event.
Not to be outdone in the dog stakes were Marg's Kalaru Kennel's Dancing Dogs, wearing pink tutus and all dancing around the grassy surrounds of the precinct.
Gordon, on microphone and Jay, on Shank's pony, explained the events and directed and guided people around the site while the parking attendants made sure no bungles occurred.
Member for Bega Andrew Constance could not make the day to help judge the cooking competition, but he did make an important announcement.
On the Friday afternoon before the fair he announced Crown Lands had allocated $463,100 to add to the $3million granted to the Old Bega Hospital in February.
The board now has the funds for a "bare bones" restoration, providing the work can start as soon as possible before increased expenses drive the restoration costs up.
