Visit Dobell House in Wangi

the next TAG event will be to Dobell House and will be an interesting visit.

Sir William Dobell (24 September 1899 – 13 May 1970) was an Australian portrait and landscape artist of the 20th century. Dobell won the Archibald Prize, Australia's premier award for portrait artists on three occasions. The Dobell Prize is named in his honour, as is Dobell Drive in Wangi.

Meet Thursday, 13 March, at Dobell House, 47 Dobell Drive, Wangi Wangi, for a tour of Sir William Dobell's house on the shores of Lake Macquarie. It's a lovely old heritage listed home with a rich history. There are 10 car park spaces available or park on Dobell Drive if they are all taken. 

We will meet at 10.30am. Cost to enter is $10 plus $5 if you would like to have morning tea consisting of a hot drink (tea, coffee, hot chocolate), cake and biscuits. The guide will give a talk of 15 to 20 minutes. Hear about the controversial event that ruined a friendship and caused Sir William to retreat to Wangi. Then you are free to tour the house and upstairs studio. Unfortunately there are small steps up and down levels in the house, plus a very narrow staircase up to his studio, but the views will be magnificent. Some may need to just stay on the one level. Toilets are outside. There is a video playing on a loop downstairs for those who may not be able to wander far.

Lunch is booked for 12.30pm at Bunsom's Aussie Thai Restaurant on Watkins Rd, just down from IGA. It’s within walking distance of Dobell House (around 10 minutes) if you would like a walk around the shores of beautiful Lake Macquarie before lunch – weather permitting of course. 

Please let Michelle or any of the TAG team know by Thursday 6 March if you are coming and whether you would like to have morning tea. 

Dolls for ADRA

Ann Stafford has a unique hobby in retirement. As a gifted artist and graphic designer she is now using those skills to renovate dolls for the ADRA shop in Morisset. Any dolls that are donated to ADRA are given to Ann, who has cupboards full of clothes, wigs, tiny shoes and other accessories. Ann takes the dolls and lovingly restores and dresses them for resale. Her efforts help ADRA to bring in thousands of dollars every week.

Ann has kindly agreed to show us what she does and you will be amazed at her skill in transforming tatty dolls into a toy of beauty. While Ann is showing the ladies the dolls her husband, David Stafford, will show the guys his clock collection. It’s going to be an interesting and unique day as we admire the views from their architect designed home in Martinsville – we may even see some kangaroos or deer.

• Date: Thursday, 10 July
• Time: 10.30 am
• Address: 328 Wilkinson Road MARTINSVILLE  MAP
• Lunch: 12.30 Lavender Café (lower level admin block – Adventist Senior Living)

Please let Margaret Watters know if you are planning to attend.