The Upper Hunter local is well known as she barely spends a day at home, always out and about sharing her skills or learning new ones. 

It’s safe to say Mrs Birch is considered a local as she has lived in the area since 1972 when her parents bought a farm in the Muswellbrook area. 

After being born at Grafton and living in Maitland, the move to the Hunter was her last big one as, after meeting and marrying her husband James in 1986, Mrs Birch moved to Dartbrook Road near Aberdeen and hasn’t left. 

The couple and their three children – Matthew, Louise and Thomas – call their home ‘Liberty Rose’, where they operate a beef and hay enterprise.

Until about eight years ago, the Birch family operated a dairy on the place for 80 years, however these days James and Elizabeth focus on their beef cattle and are currently preparing stock for the Upper Hunter Beef Bonanza in October. 

Mrs Birch said she enjoys helping her husband in the yards with the cattle, but her real passion is in her shed, which is full of all things crafty. 

“The problem is – I like everything,” Mrs Birch said of her love for sewing, tapestry, colour printing, 3D embroidery, quilting, silk painting and any other craft you can think of. 

Many would know Mrs Birch from a craft stall, market day, church fair or other community events as she regularly showcases her fine works and takes part in community events. 

What you might not know is she also shares her passion and skills through craft workshops from her own home each week. 

Thursday is craft night where a group of interested ladies gather together in the Birch’s back room and sew, knit, paint and create.

Mrs Birch said she started running the classes about 10 years ago and still loves doing it.

“I enjoying networking with other people and researching new things together with like-minded people.

“It’s also nice to be able to help other people make the things they like,” she said. 

“Usually one craft will lead you to another craft and it feels good to be able to teach new skills to others.

“I like passing on my passion and skill, and people share so many lovely things with me too.

“I have been very fortunate to network with people who will jump in and have a go, and I really do think everyone has a special hidden talent.”

Craft and sewing is something Mrs Birch has flourished in from an early age, as her mum tells her she used to thread needles for her when she was just three-years-old.

Throughout the years, Mrs Birch’s gift has been spread at the Hunter Community College in Singleton, the Scone Youth Centre and through children’s classes at the Scone Arts and Crafts Centre. 

Apart from an office job at Goulds in Muswellbrook where she was employed for about six years and working for Betty and Stan Rogers at the Segenhoe Inn in Aberdeen where she supplied handmade craft and baby wear for display, Mrs Birch has been fortunate to be able to give back to the community.

While the children were at school, Mrs Birch was always keen to get involved and volunteer her time to associations and events. 

She is now an active member and current delegate of the Muswellbrook Evening View Club. 

Mrs Birch first joined about six years ago and enjoys the regular functions to support the Smith Family, as well as three specific children the group supports through a Learning For Life initiative.

“It is a great initiative because it is more of a hand up then a hand out,” she said. 

“View Club is great as it’s social, but it’s also for a good cause.”

Another commitment that keeps Mrs Birch busy is her role on the Aberdeen Highland Games committee. 

First joining the group of committed volunteers about five years ago, Mrs Birch has become a key driver in the event’s promotion, as well as being the current treasurer.

Through her highland games volunteering, Mrs Birch has also embraced the new Upper Hunter Country Tourism ‘Come On Up’ campaign with the games being the first event to feature on the new billboard concept.

Mrs Birch said she is really enjoying her involvement in the initiative as it has been lovely working with the board, Kent Woodcock and the two councils.

“I believe it’s a good idea as we’ve got a lot to offer tourists,” she said. 

Mrs Birch said she thinks the highland games should be called the ‘friendly games’, as it brings so many people to Aberdeen and she has met so many lovely people through the annual event. 

“It’s such a positive thing, there are too many horrible things happening out there, it’s nice to be able to be involved in a positive thing,” she said. 

Always busy, Mrs Birch is    currently helping to organise the Anglican Parish of Muswellbrook’s Spring Fair, which is being held on Saturday where she will display quilts and other crafts in the church she was married in. 

Together, Mrs Birch and Janet Young have collected quilts from across the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook Shires to showcase at the event.

Mrs Birch said she has always been happy to support local events and causes, but the number one benefit to her is the friendships made.

“We’re lucky here, we’ve got most things and most people are very nice and helpful.

“If you’re passionate about something others help and want to be a part of it,” she said. 

“I find if you give forward and help others, they’ll help you when you need them.”