Working Together
Representatives of the various lines of the Franklin family recently got together to discuss the possible design to be burnt into the Franklin Cloak. With the kind generosity of Chris Padgham's company Solution Support Services, 60 beautiful dark brown possum skins were purchased from New Zealand with the objective of creating a Possum Skin Cloak for the Franklin clan.
With enough pelts to make two cloaks, Aunty Jean and Loraine sewed the pelts together and brought along the unfinished cloaks to inspire the other members of the Franklin clan. Numerous ideas of imagery were put forward to represent the nine sons and three daughters of John Charles Franklin and Harriet Tull. A concept drawing was developed and circulated to all present at the gathering held on Sunday 31st August. A further workshop has been scheduled to settle on the drawing and to start the burning.
Once the Franklin cloak has been completed it will be available for any Franklin family member to borrow for special occasions and ceremonies. It is hoped that the safekeeping of the Cloak will be negotiated with the Murrindindi Shire and form part of the cultural items in the future E-Discovery Centre at Yea.