Heavenly Beverley : The East End Gallery is Blooming...in Autumn...Along with some other Marvellous Enterprises!

April can be an absolutely beautiful month here in Heavenly Beverley. This April has been particularly lovely thus far. We have enjoyed warm days and mild nights. Glorious weather for my garden which has exploded into growth mode now that the heat of summer has passed. We are looking forward to another month or so of gradually cooling days and the odd patter of rain to give my jungle of pots the opportunity to shine before winter arrives.

The only dampener, so to speak (!) was an unexpected thunderstorm a few nights ago that scared the living daylights out of both me and Stella, our Kelpie cross who is particularly prone to high anxiety with thunder and lightening. Lexi, our Groodle was completely unaffected by the weather, instead delighting in the opportunity to take over half our bed. Both of them were, from their point of view, rudely ejected close to morning when I woke up to find my head uncomfortably supported by Stella's rather bony back leg.

The East End Gallery has been giving me more pleasure as well with the temperate temperatures. The Forbes Building, our grand old lady is now ninety seven years old and is best suited to the moderating months of both autumn and spring. Hence, I can revel within her thick walls without having to dress up or down much.

Plus, we have welcomed Robyn Anderson into our Artisan Space. Robyn's arrival, with her Yarn Barn, has been a dream come true for Michael and me. Adjacent to our communal area, we had always hoped to have an artist or artisan there, not just some Tom, Dick or Harry.

Robyn's Yarn Barn has to be seen to be believed. I must admit I have never given wool, other yarns, materials, paper or craft supplies much thought. Robyn has changed all that. Her space is a riot of colour and creativity. She fits beautifully with our goals of originality, recycling and fabulous service to her guests. Do yourselves a favour and drop in this weekend!

In addition, I have some great news about one of Beverley's most wonderful initiatives. The Community Markets have secured a new home at 106 Vincent Street, a lovely BIG space, which will allow more stall holders, specialty events, the opportunity of different opening times, in particular night markets, which have been a dream of mine for some time. Heartfelt thanks to Jenny Foster for all her hard work, to the owners for allowing the Markets to grow in a fabulous roomy area and to Robyn for her new role as Markets Coordinator (is there anything Ms Anderson can't do?!).

The Red Vault has reopened under new management - that Dynamic Duo of Monica and Graeme Camenzuli ( and family). Mon and Graeme bring an incredible work ethic, fantastic service, great food at very reasonable prices and a renewed atmosphere. The East End Gallery and Daryl Storer (woodturner to the Stars) both have art pieces for sale in the Red Vault, so their guests can browse some truly amazing paintings and woodwork whilst they enjoy a meal or one of Mon's mouth watering cakes.

Both the Freemasons Tavern and the Hotel Beverly are providing other food and beverage choices as well as quality accommodation. We support both pubs and have been pleased that they are offering regular events for visitors and locals on top of delicious pub food. The Hotel Beverley's Sunday Roast is an absolute bargain and has been very popular . Drop in to meet Tash and Peter at the Hotel Beverley or Graeme and Chance at the Freemasons.

The Artists-in-Residence at the Station continue to support us. April's artist is Janice Oliver, who is a sustainable printmaker, photographer and mixed media enthusiast. Janice will be delivering two workshops THIS weekend, making seed paper, seed bombs and compostable pots. With a passion for biodiversity and reuse, Janice's workshops Saturday 18 April 2pm - 4pm and Sunday 19 April 10am - 12noon will provide yet another original activity to embrace this weekend. The cost is just $10 per person and there is a limit of 10 participants. Please bring any locally saved native, veggie or flower seeds to the workshop.

An absolute treat will be Alan Pickering's merry band of Plein air artists, returning this weekend. Please make them welcome as about 25 of them (!) set up their easels in all sorts of locations. At least one of the artists has expressed enthusiasm in visiting the East End Gallery and we hope to see more of them, particularly if a bit of damp weather occurs tomorrow.

The East End Gallery continues to welcome new and old friends. Alan Pickering and Mark Price have added new paintings, along with the return of Sandra Mallatratt and new artists Jen Faulkner and Sally Skewes, who both hail from Boddington. We are still determined to keep the dichotomy of both intimacy and space, allowing our guests to wander throughout our alcoves without being overwhelmed.

But don't just take my word for this. Hop into your vehicle of choice this weekend and head east to Heavenly Beverley. We guarantee that our visitors will not be disappointed!