Curiouser and curiouser…

“Curiouser and curiouser” cried Alice, as she slowly started to adjust to a turbulent world, which had changed so much due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Not only did she feel really, really small – as if she had tried another one of those ‘Drink Me’ potions – but the threat of the virus seemed very, very big… especially as even the most normal things had suddenly become abnormal.

But despite tumbling down a rabbit hole of fear, she stayed in touch with her friends, the Mad Hatter, the March Hare (even though he was often running late), and the Queen of Hearts – and just like the Cheshire Cat, she faced each day with a broad grin.

You see, this year, the Two Castles Community District Association have decided to bring the story of Alice in Wonderland to life in striking shapes, straw and colour to remind us all that even when times seem strange and scary, there is still magic to be found – and special times to enjoy.

Smiling brightly in a field at the Newtownstewart bypass, the gargantuan sculptures, which tower into the village’s skylines, are also helping to raise money for two very worthy causes: The Koram Centre in Strabane, who change the lives of those suffering with mental health difficulties through counselling, psychotherapy and psychosocial support; and a Christmas party fund for senior citizens in the local community.

Launched on Sunday with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party – and plenty of balloons, boxing and banter – the colossal creations are now open for anyone to visit, take selfies with, and leave donations.

INCREDI-BALE

Shauneen Kilpatrick of Two Castles, who helped design the incredi-bale sculptures, said she hoped they will be bring smiles and joy to people across Tyrone and beyond.

“We are delighted to introduce our annual straw bale display, ‘Alice in Wonderland’, to Newtownstewart,” she beamed.

“Just like Alice, the support of our family, friends and community have helped us to negotiate a world which has, at times, become curiouser and curiouser.

“Our appreciation, as always, goes to the ‘Team of 2021’, who did a fantastic job at bringing the characters to life,” she added. “They are: Gerard McNamee; Tony and Ethna Conway; Terry Hood; Shane Kilpatrick; Ciara McSorley; Stephen McNamee; Barry McNamee; and Padraig McNamee.

“Thank you all for your time, generosity and commitment.

“I would also like to thank Shane McNamee for the many hours devoted to cutting and painting wood over the last couple of weeks. It wouldn’t have happened without you,” she continued. “Thanks also to Roisin Devine for several late nights at the sewing machine making dresses for 12 foot tall ladies… Not an easy task.

“And thanks the lovely people of Gallon, who are always so willing to lend support; John McNamee for the use of his shed for painting; and Mark and Colm McNamee for the loan of power tools.”

The Alice in Wonderland sculptures have been funded by Derry City and Strabane District Council. Covid-19 guidelines apply.

All donations are gratefully accepted.