Women from across northern Victoria joined Youanmite CWA to celebrate 90 years of friendship.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
In an afternoon of good company and delicious scones, the Youanmite branch of the Country Women’s Association celebrated its 90th birthday on Wednesday, March 25, with guests from other CWA branches in northern Victoria.
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Central Murray CWA Group president Bridget Goulding welcomed attendees to the event.
“It’s a really nice and special feeling here,” she said of Youanmite Hall, which has hosted the branch since its inception.
Secretary Alison Field spoke about the history of the branch, which gained 49 members in its first year and has hosted a range of events, from concerts and dances to skit shows.
Multiple members recalled how the children from Youanmite Primary School used to come by the hall for afternoon tea before it closed in 2000, some of whom went on to become members themselves.
Leading members of the Youanmite branch performed a satirical scene poking fun at how their meetings used to run in the ’60s, with one member accidentally reading her recipe book instead of the minutes from the last meeting.
Marie Martin performing a comedic piece closely reflecting meeting minutes.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The CWA Moira Group jumped up on stage next to dance in colourful ponchos to Celebration by Kool & The Gang.
The Moira Group brought along pompoms in CWA colours.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The event was also an opportunity to award long service badges to multiple members whose time with the CWA can be measured in decades.
The longest serving member in attendance was June Field, who has been a member for 78 years.
Ms Field has been so dedicated that she named her daughters, Carolyn, Wendy and Alison, after the CWA initials.
As part of the celebration, crafts and newspaper clippings were put on display, including an early copy of Women’s Weekly, which featured a photo of Ms Field and a photo from a kayaking adventure.
June Field with the issue of Women’s Weekly that she appeared in (top left).
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Ms Field has many fond memories of the CWA, especially the annual concerts.
“We had a lot of fun here doing silly things,” she said.
“I’ve seen so many people of so many ages come through.”
June Field receiving her 70 years of official service award from Bridget Goulding.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
June Field performing a comedic piece closely reflecting meeting minutes.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Central Murray group members Olwyn Graham, secretary/treasurer Cheryl Wallis, Glenys Walker, group president Bridget Goulding and Kerry-Anne Rappell were on kitchen duty for the day.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Moira Group members Jan James and Robyn Goudie.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Goulburn Valley West Group members Marilyn Pell and Janette Mason.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Eastern Goulburn Valley Group members Helen Sands and Helen Wall.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
The attendees enjoyed a birthday cake in CWA colours.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Youanmite CWA has many precious memories that are represented in its memorabilia collection.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
June Field attended the CWA State Conference in St Kilda in 1949.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
Youanmite’s Dorothy Down, Kerry Kane and past craft leader Linda Gillespie show off the wonderful creations of the Youanmite members.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit