44 workshops at Karamea Winter School

• Author: Rose O'Connor In Westport
• Published date: 20 October 2021
• Publication title: West Coast Messenger, The

"It is the seventh year the event has been held with a break last year due to COVID," Karamea Arts Council spokeswoman Kathy Ramsay said.

"It was inspired by Elizabeth Frankish in 2013 who had previously organised summer and winter school knowledge and swap workshops."

Forty-four different workshops were held and six events, scattered across a range of venues.

"Some classes had one participant while others had 25. We had at least 320 attendees over the month," Mrs Ransay said.

"Our small village is full of people happy to donate their time and people keen to take up the opportunity to learn. All our tutors and attendees were local or visiting family members of locals.

"We had many new activities this year due to the increased population. Bee eeping, vegan cooking, Maori pronunciation, women-only taboo talks, guitar workshop, meditation and chook chat were offered.

"We learned how to make soap, cheese, bread, sauerkraut and vegan food.

"The highlight for me was seeing the buzz in the village during June and seeing the newer residents embracing the idea. The craft groups were great on the colder days with people gathering to crochet or knit."

The month of workshops concluded with the traditional 'Pudding Club'; 21 puddings were entered. Over 30 attended, with an...