The Maclean Lower Clarence Hospital Auxiliary Christmas Luncheon was well supported with just over 140 people attending. President Sandra Bradbury welcomed everyone with special mention of the federal member for Page, Kevin Hogan MP and his wife, Deputy State President and Regional Representative for the North Coast UHA, Mollie Strong, Maclean/Grafton Hospitals Executive Officer, Dan Madden and his daughter, Director of Nursing, Paul Schofield and his wife, Maclean Hospital Nurse Manager, Anne Farrell, our auxiliary patrons, Vera Montague and Judy Brown, and members of the Grafton UHA. After a delicious lunch, the first tombola draw was done resulting in twenty lucky winners. Bill Kearns then entertained the audience with four poems. Kevin Hogan, praising volunteers for all the good work they do. Mollie Strong thanked the community for their continued support. She invited everyone to join the hospital auxiliary. Dan Madden thanked everyone for coming and said that the hospital is looking its best after several hundred thousand dollars have been spent on it over the last few years. After a survey of patients on the North Coast Maclean Hospital came out on top of the list. He concluded by saying that all the staff appreciate the work of the auxiliary. After the second draw for another twenty tombola prizes, Mollie Strong presented former president, Joyce Bell OAM, with life membership in recognition of her many years of service. President Sandra then presented staunch supporter, Jim Agnew OAM, with a gift for his 90th birthday. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to all the organisations and individuals who have given significant donations this year. The spot raffle was drawn and a number of lucky door prizes were distributed before the major raffle was drawn. The funds raised from all sources came to a very pleasing $3386. Thank you to all who helped in the success of this day: chef Craig, Kate and the lady bowlers; Phil Boughton, the Yamba Bowling Club and staff; Lionel and Rhonda Shaw for the Christmas cake; Yamba Fair Butchery; bush poet Bill Kearns; the community for their support; all auxiliary members who sold raffle tickets and helped in other ways; Rita Nutt for her inspired ideas. Rita would like to give her personal thanks to all the people who spent their time and efforts making the table decorations and cards, thus bringing her ideas to fruition. Maggie Combley