Recently Maclean Patchwork and Quilters celebrated their 30th Anniversary with a day packed with fun and friendship.

The 30th Anniversary is ‘Pearl’ so the members were asked to come in their glad rags and wear their pearls. They didn’t disappoint. Everyone joined in the day’s festivities. There was a gift swap, where each member brought a gift, small but a memento of the day. A door prize and raffle were also held, with generous donations from our local patchwork shops, South Grafton Textiles and Rainbow Patchwork in South Lismore. And true to the groups generous nature the raffle managed to raise approximately $120 for our nominated charity, Maclean Lower Clarence Hospital Auxiliary.

Morning tea and lunch was prepared by members, whose cooking skills are as good as their crafting skills. These women are a very talented group who take on every task with creativity and knowledge. Even the tables were decorated to perfection.

Our guests of honours for the day were our three foundation members Carol Shannon, Wilga Bolton and Nancy Towell and Life Member, Fay Farnham. After the cutting of the cake these lovely ladies were presented with a special memento, a personalised China thimble.

Maclean Patchwork and Quilters started out as a modest group of eight in 1989, three foundation members still turn up each Tuesday to share their expertise and stories. The group has grown to 42 members over the years. Nowadays they meet each Tuesday in the Uniting Church Hall in Maclean and sew, embroider, cross stitch, candlewick and patchwork their way through 4-5 hours whilst all the time laughing and sharing their skills.

If you want to experience this kind of friendship come along any Tuesday. You are welcome.

Sue Carl