Then another Aussie from Gin Gin in Australia came in with a Fromelles local. Well I spent ages talking with the boys, laughing and reminiscing about the Bundaberg and Cairns area. Bonjour David and Jeremy (Cobber) who made great crosses. And my new hostess Nicole also came to visit and be creative. I love this project. David made some kangaroo tracks – What a great Aussie.
What a wonderful day today was. First a couple of Aussies came in to make some crosses at the studio in Fromelles. Well to anywhere in the world they came to Fromelles and from anywhere in Australia they just happened to come from my home town in Australia and with a bit of a chat. They knew the daughter of a boy I grew up with – Murray Whitfied. I was touched and spent quite awhile talking with them. Memories – Misty water coloured memories of the Water Tower at Kallangur and my Kallangur sisters. Good times.
Thanks so much – Merci – to my visitors at the studio today. What fabulous creations were made
Debby xxx
And so my work has gone to the big kiln in Steenwerck for the bisque firing. fingers crossed xx
Look what got delivered today. Fantastic – A kiln and yes if you deliver a kiln you get a clip on Koala as a grateful appreciation gift. Merci to Jean Pierre, Pierre and Remy for their help.
kind regards
Debby
Hello to Brett from Western Australia who stopped in today to say hello. Safe onward journey
Debby
Bonjour petite enfantes. Hello Children of Cobbers School – What an amazing afternoon it was yesterday meeting the children and making some Kangaroo inspired creations. I enjoyed the afternoon immensely and hope to do some more work with the children before I leave.
Debby
How do I put into words the stories I have gathered in just one day let alone the three weeks I have already been here. Yesterday was a joint ceremony with The British Memorial Association Fromelles meeting relatives who are only here on the chance directory of a bullet. Scottish, English, Irish, French – so many individual stories. A hug from an elderly Scottish man whose grandfather was lost in the war. So much emotion. The service for the fallen. The wonderful wonderful Poppies Concert at Fromelles and the Wadsworth Brass Band which did a version of Bohemian Rhapsody that Freddie Mercury would be proud of – right beside Its long way to Tipperary and Sussex by the Sea – in the most amazing church with outstanding acoustics. To Mayor Jean-Gabriel thank you so much for inviting me to be part of this amazing experience. To Hubert and Theresa – Thank you for your amazing kindness and hospitality xxx and to the French man who came up to me after the service at cobbers – I will always be grateful for the gift. Thank you xxx
Yesterday the sun was shining on a small but passionate ceremony held at the Memorial in front of the Church at Fromelles. A joint ceremony with The British Memorial Association Fromelles, there was a wonderful exhibition at the hall afterwards. I was talking with Ms Victoria Burbidge is the British representative and a fountain of knowledge on the Battle of Auber’s Ridge. There was an interesting display of artefacts found around Fromelles and I was so lucky to see up close one of the poppies from the exhibition at the Tower of London.
So many pictures of soldiers – someone’s son, father, brother, Uncle, friend – SO many names. Lest We Forget Debby
Yesterday saw new friends coming into the studio to decorate crosses. A special thank you to Gervias for his help and encouragement.
Some Australians originally from Melbourne made some very artistic creations.
Two special friends from Cobbers School.
The wonderful ladies from Silk Painting.
Debby
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