60 candles make a lovely light

But not as bright,

As CWA’s eyes tonight

Blow out the candles,

Make your wish come true - and that’s exactly what what they did at Rochester’s Country Women’s Association branch, which celebrated six decades of friendship and regional and rural advocacy.

And unbeatable baking.

Founded in November 1966 by local women seeking evening gatherings for working mums and busy carers, the branch began its journey in assorted living rooms — renting a hall was simply beyond members’ means in those early days.

But six decades on — and still going strong — members gathered to celebrate a milestone built on resilient community spirit, weathering floods, pandemics, and shifting social landscapes while keeping local support networks thriving for scouts, schools, and hospitals.

Led by branch president Judith White, the afternoon featured powerful acoustic renditions of the Australian national anthem and God Save the Queen — in honour of the ’60s when they were founded — followed by reflections from local councillor Paul Jarman.

State president Maria Vassallo and deputy state president Mel Pritchard joined the celebrations, proudly handing out service badges in recognition of members' extraordinary decades of commitment.

Special milestones were warmly celebrated, including 50 years of service for Judith White herself, alongside remarkable fifty-six-year service honours for long-standing members Joyce Griffin and Florrie Bickley, plus 10-year certificates for Lucille Weeks and Jennifer Wright.

Former member Robin Lucas — who was actually there at the first meeting — took members down memory lane by reading the detailed minutes from the inaugural meeting, recalling the branch's humble beginnings and early financial hurdles.

The gathering also paused to honour the memory of Clarice Ellen 'Nell' Lees, a beloved life member and centenarian who passed away recently at age 100, having devoted her life to crafting, judging, community service, and local leadership.

Family and friends honoured a century of memories left behind by a true pillar of the region.

From singing anthems with gusto to cutting a celebratory cake, the day was a heartfelt reminder of why local branches like Rochester's remain such vital social anchors in their communities.

As members look towards future chapters, Rochester's night branch continues proving grassroots fellowship never goes out of style.