Yes, it is a strange name for a needlework convention!

Sixteen years ago, when Country Bumpkin was in its infancy and located in the small town of Keith in the south-east of South Australia, Margie Bauer decided that she would bring the best embroidery and smocking tutors in the world together for a week of learning, sharing ideas and building new friendships. The fact that Keith was somewhat isolated and in the middle of South Australia’s ‘little desert’ only made it more challenging and fun.

It was decided that the whole convention should have a bush theme and each student was given a calico swag with the name 'Beating Around the Bush' silk-screened on it. The little swags were filled with homemade jam, honey and chutney, which was produced by the townspeople.  The classes were held in the local school and the Market Day was held in a tin shed in the showgrounds surrounded by the bush - hence the name, Beating Around the Bush. During the Market Day the number of visitors to Keith swelled to 1700 – more than the town’s entire population.

A year later Country Bumpkin moved to the city, but we never forgot our country heritage. A second Beating Around the Bush was held in Adelaide in 1990, a third in Victor Harbor in 1991, and the fourth and fifth were held at Annesley College in Adelaide in 2000 and 2003.
Beating Around the Bush 2009 promises to be as full of fun and fellowship as the first. We have gathered together twenty nine of the world’s most highly acclaimed needlework tutors, who are offering a total of seventy eight amazing classes to choose from.

But this Convention is not just about taking classes. It's about camaraderie - sharing your passion and connecting with other like-minded enthusiasts.

You and your stitching friends will also be invited to attend inspiring evening lectures, share your thoughts in interactive forums, join us for a banquet dinner at the National Wine Centre, take part in some fantastic tours around Adelaide, come to the Blessing of the Bonnets ceremony with Christina Henri, enjoy a traditional Aussie BBQ, and, of course there will be Teacher Training with Jan Kerton where you can obtain your Country Bumpkin teaching certification.

You'll also view all the exhibitions on display including thousands of embroidered bonnets made for the Roses from the Heart project, the Healing Quilt and the Flower Power quilt, from articles in past issues of Inspirations, the Friendship Tapestry… and lots more.

Just $175 per day grants you access to all this and 6 hours tuition with an expert instructor of your choice, including morning and afternoon tea and goodie bag.