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Banner reflects community spirit
 They packed into a garage at the back of the
Manuka Cottage, Dickens Street, Addington, with their children.
The local folk were there for the unveiling of the
social-commentary banner. One child nearly ripped down the cloth hiding the banner before
the official ceremony! But it was finally revealed to applause. Jan Rogers said the banner
represented community development under the supervision of Wellington artist Lauren
Lysaght, now the artist-in-residence at the Arts Centre. Many organisations had helped
financially and Spreydon-Heathcote Community Board kept the cottage
going.
Lauren said the project brought together people who said
they had no skills. However, it represented a challenge to realise their latent skills.
Two of the longest-serving members of the craft group,
Noelene Mulqueen and Robert Reed, unveiled the multi-textile banner before it was blessed.
Kay Gardiner said the banner took some weeks to prepare.
A book telling the story of the banner isewn in the back, something like a time capsule.
Representing part of the Addington community, it now hangs on the garage wall and will be
brought out for special occasions to illustrate the community spirit of local people who
decided to create an artwork together.
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