A LIMESTONE Coast woman is one of 100 lucky applicants worldwide to be selected for an exclusive tour of the birthplace of Lego bricks in Denmark.
Emma Robinson will explore Billund’s Lego House next month after being selected from a pool of 1000 fanatic enthusiasts for the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity.
In addition to receiving a limited-edition Lego set, Ms Robinson will meet set designers and take a tour through the Lego Group’s unique history in the original house of founder Ole Kirk Kristiansen.
Ms Robinson is not alone in her passion for Lego as an adult, with AFOLS – or adult fans of Lego – on the rise.
“I think like most kids who grew up in the 1980’s I had Lego with the Fabuland set being my particular favourite,” she said.
“When my son Ben turned five, my passion was reignited when my husband Mark and I bought him a Lego train set.
“We ended up buying him more and we still are not sure whether it was for us or for him.”
Ms Robinson said she found creating with Lego relaxing and therapeutic.
“Even though people get can frustrated, especially from the instructions, I think it is just something to focus on,” the Lego fan said.
“I actually have a badge which says ‘Lego is cheaper than therapy’ which in a sense is true.
“In the end, I started attending events, which led to me creating displays and then forming the BrickGambier Lego fan event.”
Ms Robinson said while she was excited about everything on the tour, her main source of intrigue was a secret vault at the site.
“I have heard rumours visitors are able to enter a vault where there is a brand new box of every set made,” she said.
“This sounds exciting and I look forward to finding out if it is true.”
With four trips of 25 people jotted across the year, Ms Robinson will venture to Lego house in mid-September.
“It was always something I wanted to do and the time slot was perfect for me this year,” she said.
“I have just finished a teaching degree specialising in history and the history buff in me seems to be drawn back to where things began.”
The humble Lego brick is an effective learning tool, according to Ms Robinson.
“The brick allows children with learning disabilities to develop their fine motor skills and visually create connections,” she said.
“The building brick can is often forgotten about and through my last teaching practical I found it engaging for students.
“I also love the universal factor of it too as it can be used to create many different things.”
The BrickGambier founder said the building block often brought back memories for those who grew up with the toy.
“I would be a millionaire if I had a dollar for every parent who said they had a Lego set I have included in an event display,” she said.
“Lego is great in the way as it creates an opportunity for parents and children to connect.”
Ms Robinson will attend the tour from September 18 to 20, returning to Mount Gambier to host BrickGambier across October 6 and 7.
