CALLS of “wow!”, “ooh!” and “ahh!” echoed through the Gloucester Seventh-Day Adventist Hall on Sunday, 28 September, as 92-year-old Marie Laurie captivated the audience at Ladies’ Time Out with her remarkable lacework and heartfelt storytelling.
Marie grew up on the Maslen farm on Jacks Road, Gloucester.
Her dreams of becoming a nurse led her down many paths, including marriage and a life in Moppy as a farmer’s wife.
But it was during a holiday abroad that her life took an unexpected turn.
“While on holiday in the UK with my daughter, we had to hang around as the youth hostel wouldn’t let us check in till 4pm,” Marie said.
To Marie’s delight, the pair stumbled upon a shop offering lace-making classes – she was instantly hooked.
What started as a way to pass time became a lifelong passion.
Her intricate lacework not only became a creative outlet but opened doors to international travel and recognition, as she shared her skills and knowledge across the globe.
Following Marie’s inspiring presentation, Carol Sickle from the church demonstrated how to make hearty and healthy lentil rissoles, followed by visitor Kim Teoh, who cooked up a Malaysian dessert called Sago Gula Melaka.
Many attendees were introduced to sago for the first time – a starchy pearl-like ingredient derived from the pith of palm trees.
“This is a yummy dessert,” said attendee Zuali Barrett, who loved the sago cooked with palm sugar and coconut milk.
Looking ahead, organiser Beryl Landers shared plans for the next Ladies’ Time Out on Sunday, 19 October.
“We will be sewing with purpose,” Beryl announced.
“Each month will have a different focus, and October, being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we will be supporting the Heart2Heart Project.”
“Specially designed and sewn heart-shaped pillows will be donated to hospitals for breast cancer patients as they provide underarm comfort post-surgery and serve as a symbol of care and support,” Beryl said.
“Some will also be donated to children’s wards and nursing homes for comfort,” she added.
Beryl invites seasoned sewers or those who simply want to lend a hand to make this event a meaningful one, to come along on Sunday, 19 October at 2pm.
By Kim TEOH
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