Old, collectable and always a pleasure to take home at Tamworth fair

LOVERS of all things antique should have one destination in mind this weekend, the 27th Tamworth Antique and Collectables Fair at the Tamworth War Memorial Town Hall.

Before officially opening the fair last night,Australian Associated Press editor-in-chief and Tamworth expat Tony Gillies sat down in a 1970s leather wingback chair to discuss his personal collection with The Leader.

Mr Gillies, a former editor of The Northern Daily Leader, said after getting involved with the fair during his years in Tamworth, he was now the proud owner of many items, including an old cricket bat and sideboard hutch, which has since been declared a Gillies family heirloom.

In the process of moving house in Sydney, he said while it was important to take “bits and pieces of your personality” with you, he laughingly said he was under strict instructions from wife and the Channel 7 Morning Show presenter, Kylie Gillies, not to buy any more knick-knacks.

Dealers from across Australia moved delicate china pieces to display shelves and gave furniture a final polish yesterday before the crowds came through the doors.

“Treasures,” are what organiser Helen Brennan calls the thousands of pieces that fill the hall, and “whether you’re a serious collector or a dabbler, there’s something for everyone.”

While she hadn’t had much time for a good look yet, she said she would be eyeing off some of the German Hummel figurines for her mantelpiece.

This year two new dealers have brought their wares along, with couture and vintage clothing and imported costume jewellery joining the furniture and assorted collectors pieces on display.

The fair is open today from 10am-5pm and tomorrow from 10am-4pm.