We met in Henty for our monthly meeting and also the AGM. Some members attended the Riverina Group Conference at Coolamon last week where we had won; the Best Cultural Report, the Best President’s Report and the best Publicity Book, so for our sized branch, we achieved a lot.

We have done more than 170 packs, with another 40 odd to do this week. All recipients were very grateful, and we’ve received a couple of nice thank-you cards.

The Group is going to hold their International Day on 9th November in Wagga, and we are hoping to have some members attend, as it will be interesting to hear about Ecuador.

Our lamingtons have been a great fund-raiser during our restricted times; however, we will have a break for now as it’s getting too hot for them. We are planning to give a donation to the Albury Wodonga Regional Cancer Trust Fund with some of the money we’ve made. Bunnings aren’t allowing cake stalls as yet, so still no scone stalls.

A great stir was caused when a posting on Facebook mentioned that it was no longer allowed to use second-hand glass jars for jams, pickles etc. This is being looked into as it seems to be another idea not very well thought out. I know you can buy new lids, but since the jars are all sterilised - new or used - we can’t see any logical reason for this.

We would like to wish Eunice McRae a speedy recovery.

The Volunteer of the Year Awards Finals are to be held on Thursday, 3rd December, and since our Team of 8 won the Team of the Year for the Riverina Region, three of us hope to go to Sydney for the judging if they are holding the finals as originally planned.

We have decided to give a monetary donation to the State International Committee for Mother and Baby Packs or the Sewing Packs – whichever has the greatest need.

The next Riverina Group Council Meeting is on Monday, 30th November.

We decided we would have our Christmas Party at Soden’s Hotel in Albury on Wednesday, 2nd December. We will start our Meeting at 11am, then have lunch.

Land Cookery Competition

In the Cherry Blush Cake, Margaret Hasler was 1st, Nett Maloney 2nd, & Lyn J 3rd, whilst in the Peach Blossom Cake, Margaret Hasler was 1st, and Lyn Lieschke 2nd. In the Wagon Wheel Slice, 1st was Lyn Lieschke, 2nd Lyn J, and 3rd Margaret Hasler. At our Christmas Meeting, we will have the Light Fruit Cake and the Steamed Fruit Pudding, plus the condiments in the schedule.

We will have an entry in the Special Section of the Handicraft Schedule next March, with four aprons by 4 different members.

Annual General Meeting

Allison Scott took the Chair for our Annual Meeting, and all reports were read. The Treasurer had the biggest job because of the Pamper Packs, this report was huge, handling several times more money than we normally do, so a big thank you to Bev for all her work.

Office Bearer’s for 2020-2021:

We look forward to another exciting year in CWA, and hope we are soon back to some sort of normality.

Pamper Packs for Aged Care

With Covid-19 lockdowns of aged care facilities, no visitors, and boredom & isolation rife, a member of the CWA Pleasant Hills – Riverina Group, Nett Maloney thought of a way to help ease the loneliness of our aged community. Together with President Lyn Jacobsen, and other club members, the ladies sent letters to various local businesses, requesting their support for care packages.

Businesses quickly jumped on board donating items to be included in the packages. From Prima juice boxes, tissues and moisturisers to snacks, chocolates, puzzle books and journals. All donations were greatly appreciated!

Since commencing the care package drive, more than 200 bags have been distributed to residents at various residential aged care facilities, and homes of elderly residents within the community. Those included were UPA’s Myoora Homestead & Village – Henty, and the residents of Murray Vale Residential Aged Care Facility in Lavington.

UPA Riverina Murray Region, would like to thank the CWA Pleasant Hills for their thoughtfulness during this difficult time, and the generosity of the companies who donated to the care packages.

Lyn Jacobsen, CWA