MILESTONE… The Parkes CWA branch was formed on 4th April 1924 and currently has 225 members, including 8 juniors. The organising committee for the 100-year celebration were (L-R) Ann Olson, Lisa Bicket, Julia Macauly, Alice Milne (president) Dorothy Macdonald (member for 50 years) and Annette Moss. Insert: High tea at its best – CWA style.
There is only one way for the NSW CWA to celebrate its centenary and last Saturday 120 Parkes women were treated to a high tea out of the books, plus a fashion show, as the local branch celebrated this milestone occasion.
Established in 1922, “the ladies of the CWA forged a foundation of friendship and service that spread around the state and nation creating a legacy of strength and communities,” said Parkes President Alice Milne in her welcoming address at the Parkes Golf Club. “We seek to serve our community through friendship, advocacy and fundraising.”
Dorothy Macdonald, member of the Parkes branch for 50 years, reminisced about the friendship, good times and laughter over the years. “There are many treasured memories,” she said recalling how her mother was given life membership from the Peak Hill branch when she was 16 years old.
“At the age of 100 my mum still wanted to know what the CWA was doing.” She said Parkes branch had always been very busy and singled out catering for the opening of the Parkes Radio Telescope as a highlight. “Nothing was too hard, members are very skillful, accept all challenges and are able to achieve whatever they put their minds to, whether it is caring for others, or helping those in need to a love of cooking, flowers, music, and handicraft. “To enjoy what you do is not a chore and for all the years I have been involved with the CWA I have had the most enjoyable learning experiences in my life,” said Dorothy.