Guyra CWA President’s report

Del Healey, Heather Starr, Trish Fields and Deirdre Youman
07th Nov 2023

Guyra CWA has had a successful year, even though our membership is dwindling. We were all saddened by the death of our past treasurer and generous member Jill Bowden, also Nancy Davidson who had been a member of Ben Lomond branch. Monica Boland transferred to Gloucester branch and Dawn Kendall went to Toowoomba to be cared for and to be closer to her family.
We welcomed new member Michelle Mead and Jenna Howatson, who is a Guyra Evening Branch member, but very welcome visitor to our meetings.
I think the highlight of our year has been to see the completion of the Guyra CWA funded Rotunda in the Guyra Memorial Park. This was made possible by the cooperation of the Guyra Garden Club and we sincerely thank them for helping us to achieve this. Special thanks to David Kanaley, Wendy Mulligan and Garden Club President Sandra Welsman for coordinating this project. Along with the Mandala Garden it certainly adds to the appearance of the town.
Local schools Ben Lomond, Bald Blair, Black Mountain, St Marys and Guyra Central have been given donations for their end of year prize giving functions.
We have hosted and catered for three Northern Tablelands group functions, being Handcraft and Cookery information day, the International, Agricultural and Environment day and also the visit of State Office bearers who spoke on CWA rules and regulations.
We have supported two family’s by providing afternoon tea after the funeral of their loved ones – namely our past member Lorraine Holmes and CWA friend Joan Walker.
Our fundraising events have been a stall at the Trout festival, and street stalls. We also worked a shift at the Lamb and Potato Festival with lots of help from the evening branch girls.
Members enjoyed a Christmas lunch at the Royal Hotel, and we celebrated our 91st birthday at Rafters. We have also had a coffee morning get together most months of the year.
My grateful thanks to all Guyra CWA members for your contributions to our meetings during the year and your help at all our events. Special thanks to secretary Del and Treasurer Leigh for all their work on our behalf – without them we would not exist.
In conclusion I would like to congratulate the Guyra Evening Branch on their report of their year’s activities – (Oh to have some of their energy!) – well done girls.
Heather Starr
President