KURRAJONG Handspun Crafts are set to host their fifth annual Back To Back Wool Challenge next month with the aim of transforming wool shorn straight from the sheep’s back into a knitted jumper in under eight hours.

The competition is conducted in countries around the world promoting wool and cancer research, and this year’s local event will be held at Kurrajong Heights on June 1.

Legend has it the challenge started in 1811 in Newbury England when a 1000£ wager was made to make a coat from a sheep’s back to a man’s back in one day.

Watched by 5000 people the coat was completed in 13 hours – and the shorn sheep was eaten during the post-challenge celebrations.

Kurrajong Handspun Crafts member Dawne Dunlop said last year her team came third at an international level, completing the challenge in six hours and 34 minutes. Their efforts raised a total of $1648 – the most money raised by any team in the competition.

This year Kurrajong Handspun Crafts are looking to beat their fundraising total, and their previous time but this time a second team, the Rhodes Runners, will compete alongside the original team.

But Kurrajong Handspun Crafts have a secret weapon. Before the challenge kicks off at 8am, ‘Chicky Babe’ the sheep will arrive at the venue in a station wagon with a number plate marked EWE002.

Since last year’s event Chicky Babe has been growing a long, luscious coat of wool to be used in the 2008 challenge. Unlike the first challenge held in 1811, Chicky Babe will not be eaten afterwards.

The community is invited to join in the Back To Back Wool Challenge fun, by sponsoring the teams and attending the event.

The event will be held at the Turpentine Tree in Kurrajong Heights, in combination with a variety of other attractions to keep the crowd entertained while the teams weave their magic.

Other fun on offer will include an antique machinery display, textile displays and sales, craft stalls, cake and biscuit stalls, an open garden – and The Mountain Lagoon Fire Brigade will host a sausage sizzle.

For more information or to sponsor a challenge team member, call Dawne Dunlop on 4567 1215 or email grenrose@bigpond.net.au