The last meeting of Grafton CWA was held on Friday, April 11. The meeting was opened by Janice our President, who also welcomed CWA of NSW Vice President Jan, and Sara another visitor.

During the meeting we heard how successful the CWA North Coast Group’s stall at the Pickleball Marathon had been, raising funds for the Love Your Sister charity. When Samuel Johnson visited the stall, he asked us to knit fingerless gloves for his organisation, so at Grafton Branch’s next Handicraft morning that is what we plan to do… to get together for a cuppa and a chat, start knitting gloves, and at the same time help to raise money.

Also at the meeting, we heard an interesting Agriculture and Environment report highlighting the effects of some recent natural events, including cattle and sheep lost in Queensland floods, also much fencing destroyed; macadamia season hit badly by recent rain events; worries about spread of fire ants due to flooding; cane harvests affected by bad weather; shortage of eggs due to outbreaks of avian influenza last year.

Lyn then gave a Cultural report which included facts about April. She also talked about Easter traditions around the world. We brought in different objects to display; the theme this month was the colour white. Loretta brought in a beautiful white porcelain doll and there was also a vase, ornaments, etc.

Barbara’s International report on Korea was about the climate there, with four distinct seasons. Cherry blossoms are beautiful in Spring. She also told us about how there were record floods in September ’84 and that heat waves are becoming more frequent and that there have been intense wildfires recently. Narelle read Carmon’s Land Cookery report which gave us more information about the cake stall. We also discussed proposed dates for branch Land Cookery Competition days and for future cake stalls. We also talked about our cookbook. Anne then gave her Publicity report, detailing publicity in the past month. Lana updated us on what is happening with the roof repairs for the CWA Rooms and we also talked about our centenary next year.

Some members will be attending CWA Yamba’s 80th birthday celebration at the Argyle Hotel in Maclean on Thursday and some attending the UHA morning tea later this month.

Meetings of Grafton CWA are currently being held at GDSC and take place on the 2nd Friday of each month. We start with morning tea at 9.30am and the meeting at 10am. Craft mornings are being held at the Salvation Army Hall, Oliver St, on the 2nd and 4th Monday of each month, starting at 9.30am. New members are always welcome to our meetings and Craft mornings, and we would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!

Anne McLellan