WHEN Elaine Kennedy joined the Kelvin branch of the Country Women's Association (CWA) in 1959, she never envisaged that 50 years down the track she would still be involved in this vital organisation.
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At a recent meeting of the local branch, Namoi Group president Michelle Eggins presented a "50 Years of Membership" award to Elaine recognising her dedication and service to the CWA, established in Gunnedah in 1922.
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Elaine recalled that she had joined the Kelvin branch when her eldest child Anthony started school.
"Other mothers at the bus stop encouraged me to join," Elaine said.
"I had four young children at home, so I guess I was looking for some new interests and some friendship. The other members loved having the little ones around and tried to entertain them when they got a bit restless.
"The school bus went past the Kelvin Hall, so it was quite convenient on meeting days and functions for the bus to stop and let the children off.
"My kids loved the afternoon teas on meeting days, and they weren't the only ones - on one occasion, a cookery competition was in progress and the children were told not to touch any of the cakes.
"One little boy couldn't resist the lamingtons and quickly grabbed one off the plate - when the judge came to the plate to judge the six lamingtons, she disqualified the entry as there are only five lamingtons on the plate. When the boy said that he had taken it, the judge relented and went on to judge the entry," Elaine recalled with amusement.
Elaine particularly liked the cooking, international and the cultural work - one year she made five separate sultana cakes before being satisfied as the cake had to go to the state finals at the CWA State Conference.
When the Kelvin branch closed in 2000, Elaine transferred to the Gunnedah branch. She has held many positions in both branches, including president, secretary, treasurer, international officer, cultural officer and vice-president.
I have made many friends over the years and sadly have seen some of them pass on.
- Elaine Kennedy, Gunnedah CWA
Fifty years on, Elaine is still very involved and is currently the branch's secretary, publicity officer and cultural officer, as well as the hall booking officer.
At Namoi Group level, she has been group president and representative to the state executive, as well as secretary, treasurer, cultural officer and vice-president, while serving this year as The Namoi Group Grants Convener.
"CWA has given me many interests and the opportunity to travel to different parts of NSW for state conferences, from Broken Hill to the Central Coast, Tweed Heads to Albury and many places in between," Elaine said.
"I have made many friends over the years and sadly have seen some of them pass on.
"Our membership is down at present and I think it is because so many women work these days and are involved with their children's activities - there is also so much happening in our world today that some people just don't have the time to spend a few hours, one day a month, to slow down and join in our activities."
Elaine said she has enjoyed her time in CWA and although a slight disability has slowed her down a little, she will continue to embrace the friendship and interests in the CWA .
"I couldn't do any of it without the cooperation and help at all times from my husband Noel and my family," she said.
Gunnedah CWA is keen to attract new members to help continue the good work carried out by this important organisation. For more information, contact Coralie Howe on 0427 427 911.