By Romy Stephens
Two neighbours from Upwey have taken Spoonville to the next level, by creating an entire fairy village for families to enjoy.
Jan McGuckian and Kate Bicknell have been neighbours on Bayview Avenue for over six years and have developed a close friendship during that time.
“We’re very fortunate because we’re next door neighbours and we get on so well,” Ms Bicknell said.
“We have a gate between the two properties and every Friday night we have drinks and snacks on our own sides with the husbands.”
It was during one of those Friday night catch ups that the idea of creating a fairy village out the front of their properties was first floated.
Ms McGuckian was explaining the Spoonville craze before the pair decided they would create their own village, to bring some joy during lockdowns.
Now, about six weeks later, the village has become a highlight for local families.
“It’s been very very successful. Easily 40 per cent of the visitors that come by are adults,” Ms McGuckian said.
“We probably average each day about 50 people come by and if it’s a sunny day we can have up to 100 dropping by.”
The village is made out of about 95 per cent recycled items and each installation has its own function.
“There’s a night and day fairy, there’s a spa, there’s an AirBnB in the tree,” Ms Bicknell said.
It is also interactive, with installations and ideas contributed by the community.
“We have a little tent outside and it’s called The Village Post Office and Writing Room and we have a little desk there,” Ms McGuckian said.
“The kids come along and write notes for the fairies.”
The neighbours are also conscious of Covid-19, with only two families allowed on each nature strip at any given time.
Nearby resident Ryan Ferguson told the Star Mail on 30 October that he thought it was a “fantastic” idea.
“It show’s great imagination and initiative,” he said.
“We got prompted by my neighbour and I had to walk past. I thought I would bring my daughter up today and it has grown exponentially since I first saw it.”
Ms Bicknell said the project had been a wonderful adventure that she had loved sharing with her “great friend” in Jan.
“It’s made us content and very happy and we’ve got to know people in our community and street that we never knew before,” she said.
The duo have plans to create more community engagement projects when Covid-19 restrictions allow – such as a community long table where people can share food and company.
