Multiple Displays | Beaconsfield- Scottsdale TAS

Monday: 6 April

A Grand Day Across North East Tasmania!
What a day it was — four towns, four displays, and so many wonderful people met along the way! Here’s a snapshot of our adventures across the beautiful north east of Tasmania.

Beaconsfield — A Tall Visitor and a Proud Owner!
We drove across from East Devonport this morning, arriving in Beaconsfield a whole hour earlier than our display time. Not ones to waste a moment, we set Bubsie up outside one of the two IGAs in town, where there was already a lovely buzz of foot traffic.
The store owner and one of the staff members came straight out to see what all the fuss was about — and the owner was so taken with Bubsie that he snapped some photos to share on their Facebook page, letting the whole community know she was in town. What a wonderful welcome!
The staff member — a towering six foot five — gamely folded himself into Bubsie for a try. It was a little on the snug side, but he was a great sport about it! His grandparents also popped by and thoroughly enjoyed hearing the story of our centennial journey.
Interest flowed steadily as shoppers came and went between the IGA and the café just along the road. We even managed to slip away in turns to visit the local mining heritage centre up the road — a fascinating little detour!
Just before 10:45 we packed up the supplies — with the usual lovely last-minute clusters of people wanting to chat — before Kevin drove Bubsie back down the road to reload her into the trailer. Then we were off to George Town!

George Town — Crossing the Batman Bridge and a Warm Church Welcome!
Our journey to George Town took us across the magnificent Batman Bridge, which spans the beautiful Tamar River — what a stunning way to arrive in town!
On pulling in, we had a chat with the manager at Woolworths about the best spot to display Bubsie in the carpark, and together we found a lovely prominent position where she could be easily seen and admired.
Some of the very first visitors were members of the local Seventh-day Adventist Church community, and they were absolutely delighted to have Bubsie come to George Town — such a warm and encouraging welcome! We had a great hour of interaction with interested visitors before packing up, reloading, and heading on our way to Bridport.
We are feeling so very thankful that the rain has been holding off for our displays today — what a blessing!

Bridport — Fish and Chips and a Friendly Crowd!
Bridport greeted us with a busy little street buzzing with life in front of the IGA and the local fish and chip shop. We parked up the road a little and walked down to suss out the best spot for Bubsie.
Sure enough, a carpark space opened up right in front of the fish and chip shop, right next to the IGA — perfect! Cones went out, and Kevin headed off to bring Bubsie around.
We had some lovely early visitors, and then things quietened down a little before picking up again toward the end. With most of the other eateries closing early for the holiday, the fish and chip shop was the place to be — and while people waited for their orders, many wandered over to meet Bubsie. A hungry crowd is a captive audience, and we loved every conversation!
Before long, we were on our way again for our last display of the day in Scottsdale.

Scottsdale — Excitement, Enthusiasm, and a Precious Visit!
In Scottsdale, we set Bubsie up in the large Woolworths carpark at the back of the store — right along the path people walk from their cars to the entrance, and clearly visible as vehicles pulled in. A spot that really worked beautifully!
One of our very first visitors was our dear friend Ken Knight — and what a joy it was to see his familiar face! We had a wonderful number of people come through who were genuinely interested in Bubsie and were glad to take home a copy of her story.
The highlight of the display came near the very end — a grandma arrived with her granddaughters, and before long she was on the phone ringing the rest of the family to bring the boys down too! They all came, and the excitement and sheer delight of the children around Bubsie was just the most heartwarming thing to see. Moments like that make every mile worthwhile.
After packing up, we had the loveliest time popping in to visit Ken and Vicki Knight. Vicki had only recently come home from hospital, and it was such a special privilege to spend a little time with them and their daughter Angela. Those friendships are such a treasure — moments to be deeply cherished.

Onward to Launceston — With Grateful Hearts!
We then made our way to Launceston, where we will be staying with dear friends for the next couple of nights as we continue our displays during the day.
And once again — not a single drop of rain during any of our displays today! We are truly, deeply grateful. We look forward with excitement to what tomorrow will bring!