Passion for antique dolls

Porcelain-doll maker Coleen Anderson, of Tintenbar, who specialises in antique reproductions, will exhibit her dolls at the Alstonville Rotary Antiques Fair this weekend.

Jay Cronan

FOR Coleen Anderson, reproducing antique dolls is more than a hobby – it’s a passion.

“I’ve got hundreds of beautiful dolls in my collection,” the Tintenbar woman said.

“I started making dolls nearly 30 years ago and I do a lot of antique reproductions.

“I have had a lot of wonderful years doing this.

“I really love it.

“But it’s something that I do put a lot of time into, although I also have a big garden, which needs a lot of attention as well.”

Mrs Anderson will be one of the exhibitors at this weekend’s Alstonville Rotary Antiques and Collectables Fair.

It kicks of tonight at the Alstonville Leisure and Entertainment Centre from 6pm.

The fair is now the biggest event of its type between the Gold Coast and Coffs Harbour, with 34 dealers from all over Australia attending.

The Northern Rivers Vintage and Veteran Car Club and the Summerland Sports and Classic Car Club will be exhibiting their historic cars.

Rotarian Peter Swain, who is helping to organise the event, said many of the dealers were people who had become addicted to collecting things.

He and his wife Barbara built up their collection of antiques to furnish their home in the UK.

When they emigrated to Australia in 1990 they hired a shipping container and moved everything to their new home at Alstonville.

But it did not end there – the Swains have been adding to their collections ever since.

So whether you head to this weekend’s antiques fair for the thrill of bargain hunting or out of sheer curiosity, it is a not-to-be-missed event.

FUN AT THE FAIR

The Alstonville Rotary Antiques and Collectables Fair starts tonight at 6pm, then it is open 9am-4.30pm tomorrow and 10am-3pm on Sunday.

34 exhibitors from all over Australia.

All profits go to Rotary-sponsored charities, including Our House.