CWA members recently travelled to Manila to participate in the Namoi Group Land Cookery and Handicraft Day, with new member, Vicki Jell delighted to place first with her coffee cake. Junior members Helena and Gabby Pease also received first place in the junior sections.

The winning trio now have to cook again and send it to the state conference for the final stage of the competition where they entries will go up against entries from all over the NSW.

Leonie Harley is to share the Beth Sims Trophy for preserves with Michelle Eggins from Manilla. Several other members received minor placings.

In the handicraft section of the day, Jill Andrews will share the trophy for the highest marked article with Sandra Hunter from Willala. Beverly Carter received the encouragement award.

Several of the branch’s articles have been selected to go on to Sydney for further judging and will be on display at the state conference in Tumbi Umbi from May 21-25.  

At the April meeting, members enjoyed the talk given by Gunnedah GoCo who gave details of some of the services it offers for the elderly and frail members of the community.

Details of the branch’s 95th birthday celebrations were also discussed with a decision to hold a High Tea on Thursday, June 22 at 10am. Gunnedah was the fifth branch to be formed in NSW.

The competition for salt and pepper shakers was won by Ruth Payne and the flower by Coralie Howe. The competition for next month is an ornament (any size) and a flower.

The 2017 Namoi Group Medical Grants were given to Gunnedah’s Sarah Clark, a third-year medical student, and Harriet McCalman, a third-year student nurse. Harriet is a third-generation nurse in her family. Sarah’s award was accepted by her mother, Kellee, as Sarah is currently doing her rural placement year at Wagga Wagga.

The grants are made possible by the branch’s participation and community support at Ag-Quip each year and the branch hopes to help more students in their allied health studies in the future.