THE COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION (CWA) DOYENS OF DEVONSHIRE TEAS
Celebrating CWA Awareness Week this September is The Country Women’s Association, the largest women’s organisation in Australia. Renowned for their home baking, CWA members, the Doyens of Devonshire Teas, will be out and about strutting their stuff!
So, what is this nonsectarian, non- partypolitical association, and who are its members? Today, the Country Women’s Association (est.1922) has 44,000 people united in its cause: to improve the lives of women, children and families, especially those in rural and remote areas. To achieve this, they raise funds by doing what they do best: selling homemade cakes and handicraft.
Castle Hill Branch members of The CWA of NSW (est.1946), allocate the proceeds of their efforts towards projects such as Medical Research, Education Grants and a Disaster Relief Fund, from which $100,000 was recently released to help drought affected families. Plus, every Thursday of the school term, volunteers ‘pop- up’ with baked goodies in a Tea Room at Learning in the Hills, Baulkham Hills. Tipping the teapots in August were Acting Secretary Wendy MacAllister, and Treasurer Kerrie Tomlins with her superb Coconut Slice!
Castle Hill Branch members are also Hotshots of Handicraft! Ever wondered what city bankers do in retirement? Just ask Publicity Officer Veronica Knight. She’s rediscovered craft – a passion which began as an eight year old in Kempsey. As well as enjoying the CWA’s social activities, she hosts Craft mornings twice a month and, on the 19th August, (armed with jars of homemade jam), Veronica volunteered at the Samuel Gilbert Public School’s Great Fete. To meet community needs, CWA crafters work throughout the year making everything from lamb jumpers (winter warmers for orphaned or abandoned lambs), to tweedle muffs (a comfort for restless hands). Craft sold – or gifted to worthy causes – is made at home, and on Craft mornings. However, to keep up the good work, the CWA relies on donations… perhaps some of that fabric or wool you have squirrelled away – for later? Later, could be now… all contributions gratefully received! Guests are welcomed at the Castle Hill Branch monthly meetings, craft mornings or Baulkham Hills Tea Room. For more information phone: 8837 0200 or visit www.cwaofnsw.org.au.
References: CWA of NSW, Castle Hill CWA – https:// www.facebook.com/castlehillcwa/ – & Wikipedia.
