FROM the lifelike to the absurd, from the cuddly to the ornamental, dolls and teddy bears filled the Kangaroo Flat Leisure Centre on Saturday for the Golden City Doll and Teddy Bear Show.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Up to 50 stalls displayed handmade dolls and bears, most vying for a hug and a new home but others on display just for show.
Event organiser Valerie Truant said the collectibles covered a range of varieties.
"There are dolls like the porcelain, cloth and reborn dolls," she said.
"The reborn dolls are made to look as lifelike as possible, they've only been around for a few years.
"The ladies are very passionate about the dolls."
The afternoon also included judging the best, most original items at the show, as entrants came in from across Victoria.
Gwen Leggo, of Bendigo, claimed a number of awards for her original teddy bears.
She said there was a lot involved in creating her unique items, a hobby she has carried with her for almost 30 years.
"You have to buy the fur, buy a lot of joints for the arms and legs, as well as discs," she said.
"It can be very hard working putting the arms and legs on.
"For a normal bear, it can take about a week. That's just working on it bit by bit."
The doll doctor did some emergency surgery on a few injured dolls, while the Palliative Care Auxiliary provided sustenance for the collectible lovers.
Robyn Lavery, of Bacchus Marsh, brought her handmade porcelain dolls and miniature collectibles to the show.
She said the art of making porcelain dolls was unlikely to be around forever.
"There are not many around who are still making the dolls," she said.
"I had two boys, so they aren't that interested in learning how to do it.
"But as long as somebody likes them and is prepared to buy them, then I hope they keep being made. Dolls will always be popular with children."
Saturday's show could be the last doll and teddy bear show held at the Kangaroo Flat Leisure Centre.
The event moved to the centre 22 years ago after its first two years were held at Trades Hall on View Street.
The leisure centre is no longer taking bookings beyond July 1 this year, as its demolition is part of the current plans for the $30 million Kangaroo Flat aquatic centre.
Organiser Valerie Truant said the centre had been perfect for the show and they were struggling to find a suitable venue for the future.
"The council is helping us to find a new location," she said.
"We've looked at Truscott Reserve and at the showgrounds, but we like this spot."
The event was among a number needing to find a new home as part of the plans on Browning Street.
Mrs Truant said the organising group of the doll and teddy bear show was small, and made up of mostly elderly people, meaning the change could be difficult.
"The leisure centre is close to the highway, there's good parking, it's easy to find and there is accommodation nearby for traders who come up from Melbourne," she said.
"We would be happy to see the pool built, but they should leave the leisure centre where it is."