As lovers of all things sheep and wool, MiniJumbuk is excited to spread the word and promote the 2019 ‘Blades of Glencoe’. Held this Sunday, March 10 in the historic Glencoe shearing shed, 70 of today’s best shearers will step back in time to raise awareness and much needed funds for mental health and suicide prevention in the agriculture sector.
Managed by the National Trust and accessible daily, the Glencoe Woolshed, a 36 stand shearing shed built in 1863, has been beautifully restored. Unique, in that it was never mechanised, the shed has today been transformed into a museum. Visitors can admire the impressive architecture of local stone and hand adzed, cathedral-like arched Blackwood beams, while gaining an insight into the region’s historical agricultural and wool handling practices.
Visitors to the 2019 ‘Blades of Glencoe’ will relive history; experiencing the sights, sounds and smells of a working shed as this historic woolshed once again comes to life. There will be plenty to see as the shearers - 35 women and 35 men of all ages, including a 7 year old – will shear continuously for this great cause. Abandoning their usual mechanised handpieces, these generous and talented folk will instead use traditional ‘hand’ or ‘blade’ shears to clip over 1000 sheep throughout the day. With no mechanisation, even the wool handlers and pressers will be using the old style methods.
The event, instigated by a group of female shearers concerned about poor mental health in rural communities and the shearing industry in particular, is a collaboration between the National Trust, the Blade Shearing Heritage Foundation Inc. and SA Health. The day, organised for a great cause, promises entertainment for all ages. Food and music will be available alongside fundraising auctions, raffles and Speed Shear competitions - there is even the opportunity to win a MiniJumbuk Everyday quilt! All monies raised on the day will be donated to support improved mental health.
Further information https://www.facebook.com/thebladesofglencoeshearathon2019/ or https://www.facebook.com/GlencoeWoolshed/
