A VIBRANT series of themed workshops creating gifts and Christmas decorations, has Hastings’ new Community Craft Shed doing what its founder hoped.
The craft shed, next to the Hastings Primary School in Hodgins Rd, was the dream of retired Western Port Craft Expo convenor Sandra Beckett. Seeing so many Western Port crafters enjoying the expo, Beckett wanted a place where they could come during the week to sew, knit, weave, crochet, pass on their expertise, and enjoy each other’s company.
The first workshop held in early November was presented by Somerville poppy maker Jenny Mann, making remembrance poppies. Sufficient red poppies were created during the morning for a wreath for Hastings Remembrance Day, plus purple poppies to respect animals and birds performing war service. Jenny Mann earlier made more than 400 poppies for a remembrance wall.
On December 3, Hastings embroiderer Bev Tully, presented an all day workshop making Remembrance Christmas Trees.
Jenny Mann’s last class for the year will be on December 11, making a Christmas table centrepiece: Members $15/Visitors $40. Materials supplied, can bring personal Christmas bling.
Sandra Beckett is delighted by activities and uptake of the shed already. After exploring venues in the town including empty main street shops, she was offered use of the hall at Hastings Uniting Church, where the expo was born. Offers of donated equipment poured in, so the hall is equipped with a floor loom, two spinning wheels, fabric for quilting, card making equipment, tables and comfortable lounges.
Shed Social is a weekly drop-in event on Tuesdays – providing a relaxed, welcoming space to unwind, share stories, and spend time with new friends in the community, Beckett said.
”We welcome other community craft groups to use the space as well,” she said.
Community support has come from Bunnings Warehouse (Hastings) donations of power boards, extension leads and a Key Safe. Also a grant for signage was gratefully received from Mornington Peninsula Shire with support from the Rotary Club of Hastings Western Port.
Membership fees offer access to the shed for use of equipment and reduced cost for workshops. The aim is to open between 10.30 and 2.30 weekdays, anyone is welcome to drop in for a chat and a cuppa. Visitors wishing to use the machines, pay $5 per visit.
For further details about workshops or other use of the Community Craft Shed, email hastingscommunityshed@gmail.com
First published in the Western Port News – 3 December 2025
