Emma Pritchard

Chatting happily amongst themselves as they sipped orange juice, champagne, and tucked into a delicious assortment of sandwiches and slices, 115 people attended a High Tea, hosted by Grafton Midday Rotary at Vines @ 139 Fitzroy Street, on August 6, to help raise funds to purchase specialist equipment for the Maternity Ward at Grafton Base Hospital (GBH).

It was a sold-out occasion, with event organiser Patty Hewitt revealing tickets were in high demand as she gratefully acknowledged the local community for coming together to support the fundraiser. 

“Grafton is wonderful, and the people are well known for their get up and help attitude,” she said proudly.

“Every single thing needed for the event was donated or offered, there were no overheads, and there was such an atmosphere on the day.

“It was so wonderful to see everyone enjoy themselves.”

Among the attendees was Carol Smith, President of the Grafton Country Women’s Association (CWA) branch.

After giving birth to her son prematurely, she said it is vital that hospitals, especially ones in country areas, have access to specialist equipment to help save the lives of newborn babies, just like hers.

“It’s so important that our local hospital has as much specialist equipment as possible,” she said.

“We need to raise as much as we can.”

When asked if there was a particular piece of equipment staff at the GBH Maternity Ward wanted, Ms Hewitt said a monitor to allow nurses to closely watch newborns in humidity cribs was on top of their wish list.

“We want to raise as much as we can to help them purchase whatever they need,” she said.
Along with raffles featuring prizes generously donated by local businesses including Sweet Wattle Flower Farm and Sweet Sisters Boutique, the High Tea also included the auctioning of a weekend stay on a rural property in Mudgee, and a child portrait sitting by Michelle Worley.

Jenny Ryder was one of the successful bidders, securing her accommodation in Mudgee for $500, while Sharon Beighton paid $380 to win the child portrait sitting.

Following the success of the High Tea, Ms Hewitt said it could possibly become an annual event.

“We’ll have to wait and see at the moment,” she said.

At the time of publication, Ms Hewitt said the total amount raised from the High Tea was still being tallied.

The Clarence Valley Independent will publish the final figure in our August 17 edition.