The Wooly Weavers collect their new Gypsy home from the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed FEATURED Medowie & Tilligerry News Of The Area Raymond Terrace, Heatherbrae, Tomago by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 1, 2018 Heather Kilpatrick with her new beloved Gypsy van. IF you think you see a gypsy wagon during your travels around Port Stephens, you’re not seeing things that aren’t there. Modern Media: Advertise with News Of The Area and you get your ad in 1) in Print, 2) on the News Website (like this ad), and 3) on our Social Media news site. A much more efficient way to advertise. Reach a HUGE audience for a LOW price TODAY! Call us on 02 4983 2134. Or media@newsofthearea.com.au Or CLICK FOR ADVERT QUOTE It is the real deal, and we have Heather Kilpatrick and the talented fella’s at Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed to thank for it. With gypsies being a part of Heather’s ancestral heritage, the realisation of a lifelong dream started a year ago when she visited a market and saw the members of the Men’s Shed selling raffle tickets. She walked over and asked the group a question that they had never been asked before. “Can you build me a gypsy wagon?” “When I asked them, they initially thought I meant a little wooden toy one,” Heather told News Of The Area. “They were shocked when I told them I meant a full sized one that could fit into a box trailer.” With the Men’s Shed always up for a challenge, they accepted the brief. Twelve months later, Heather is now the proud owner of a custom built, full-size gypsy wagon. “It was a real team effort from all the guys,” Men’s Shed President Robert Bull told News Of The Area. “All of our skill sets were tested whilst building the wagon, including design, metal, wood and painting, with the auto electrics proving to be the hardest component to get sorted.” “When we took it on, we didn’t realise just how big a job it was going to be, but we did it.” Heather plans to use the wagon at markets selling goods for her business ‘The Wooly Weavers’ including her beloved ‘rescue teds in fair isle threads’, yarn bombing and a bevy of other knitted and crocheted goods. Heather’s two dogs, Lou Lou and Kiki, have already signed up to be her travelling companions. If you have an idea that you think the Raymond Terrace Men’s Shed can help with, just do what Heather did and approach them with your idea. “We want to encourage the public to come in and challenge us.” Robert Bull told News Of The Area. “We love projects, and we want to give things a go.” By Rachael VAUGHAN The hard-working volunteers who contributed to the building of the Gypsy van. Heather is handed the keys by Men’s Shed president Robert Bull. Heather was touched to see the men had even purchased her a personalised key ring for her new Gypsy van. (left)Lots of hands make light work of this tricky project that has made Heather so happy. (right)
