Organising Team

Sandra Beckett

Originally a Gippsland girl, we moved to Hastings in 1974, and with our two children living nearby, have no intention of moving! A member of Hastings Uniting Church, I have always sewn and knitted but have had forays into rug-hooking, crochet and pottery and leadlight. I took up fine embroidery when I retired from my admin job at Western Port Secondary College. Now a grandmother of 3 young boys, I mainly knit and crochet a little, but have returned to sewing for the ‘Dress a Girl around the World’ project, providing dresses for young girls living in poverty in third world countries.

Claire Kingdon

Born and raised on the Mornington Peninsula, I’ve lived in Hastings all my life (except for a short stint away at University). There’s always been a creative streak throughout my family history – on both sides – with many relatives excelling in different areas. Wondering which creative outlet would suit me, I fell in love with patchwork in my early twenties and haven’t looked back! I especially love patchwork and quilting using modern fabric and for the last couple of years, I’ve been hooked on English paper piecing in reinterpreted traditional designs. Married with two primary school aged boys, I also run the Hastings Toy Library. I enjoy being able to take my creative outlet on the go, so whether it’s playdates or hanging with friends, I’ll often be there, stitching away!

Frances Henke

A retired journalist and author of many books, Hastings resident Fran is also a talented artist. She has demonstrated Lino printing for several years at our Expo. Fran is a whizz at publicity and is a valuable member of our team with her good ideas.

Margaret Baker

Margaret, of Somerville, is currently Chairperson of the Western Port Uniting Church parish, and is the lady who so capably organises the cafe area of our Expo. As well, she has at past Craft Expos showed off her Machine Embroidery skills.

Kat McKee

Kat, too, has also been a past stall-holder at our Craft Expo, and now joins our organising team this year. She teaches sewing at her home business at Tyabb.