Nine decades of women doing their best was celebrated in Scone on Friday when past and present Country Women’s Association (CWA) members, their relatives and friends celebrated the 90th birthday of the Scone branch.
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The fruitful and proud heritage of the Scone CWA was evident in the massive effort that went into organising the birthday luncheon, which also saw the launch of a history book ‘Ninety Years On’.
The event was very well attended with 138 guests including official guests Member for Upper Hunter Michael Johnsen, Upper Hunter Shire mayor Wayne Bedggood, NSW CWA state secretary Annie Kiefer, NSW CWA past state president Margaret Roberts, Hunter River Group president Brigitta Falconer, state cultural officer Mary Bowman, Hunter River Group representative Barbara Daffern, Scone branch patron Margaret Marshall and Hunter River Group patrons Nieta Burkill, Betty Irons and Muriel Halsted.
Highlights of the function were the launch of the book, which was compiled by current president Anne McPhee and secretary Carolyn Carter and the presentation of the story of CWA from the very beginning in the early 1900s.
A historical display featured the story of CWA from the beginning to now with numerous historical documents, photographs from the early days on, a bassinette and baby scales that were used in the Baby Health Clinic from 1938 to 1985 and much more.
Eight of the branch’s current members were recognised during the day with service awards given across three different categories.
Three long service awards were given for more than 20 years’ service to Wendy Balneaves, Robyn Burston and Sue Lewis.
Certificates of Appreciation were given to Sue Lewis, Lorraine Gardiner and Lorna Muffett who have been members for many years and have held many and varied roles in the association.
Mrs Muffett was the treasurer from 1983 to 2002, the longest serving treasurer recorded in the Scone branch.
Two 50 year medallions for more than 50 years’ service were presented to Claire Prentice and Mrs Halsted who between them have belonged and worked for the CWA for about 117 years.
Mrs McPhee said they were very pleased with the way the day went and have had lots of comments from guests saying that they had a wonderful day.
“It was wonderful to have many of the relatives of past members present and particularly grandchildren of some of the early foundation members,” she said.
The first print run of books sold out on the day, however the group will re-print if there is interest.
The book costs $20 and anyone interested in purchasing a copy can contact Sue Lewis on 6545 3630.
