THE “witch of Rye” returns this Halloween to haunt the streets for a spectacular 10th Halloween celebration.
Karren Fleming, of Rye, transforms into a fan-favourite witch to bring Halloween magic to the southern peninsula, in readiness for the Tuesday 31 October’s trick or treating.
District nurse Fleming, a mother of four and grandparent to 12 grandchildren, has been weaving her magic as the witch of Rye for 10 years.
With a background in the local theatre scene and a love for portraying the witch character in the renowned Wicked musical, Fleming has become a beloved icon in the community.
Last year, more than 200 children were spellbound by the mesmerising presence of the Witch of Rye on Halloween night, and this year promises to be even grander as Fleming celebrates a decade of sharing joy and dressing up with local families.
Visitors to the Felicia Street home of the enchanting witch, have described the experience as the highlight of their year. Parents and children anticipate the return of this annual tradition.
Meanwhile, Our Lady of Fatima Primary School, Rosebud, wants to end the use of fake cobwebs to protect the Mornington Peninsula’s wildlife. The webs are unable to be seen in the dark by nocturnal animals such as owls and bats and also lure birds looking for threads to add to their nest.
The netting is made of plastic and when insects struggle in it can then attract larger animals.
The school’s sustainability leaders have been teaching students about the cobwebs and they are all keen to use other items to decorate their homes. They have also written to the major supermarkets asking them not to stock them in 2024.
First published in the Southern Peninsula News – 31 October 2023
