CWA calls for more members

Rochester president Sally Bogie said organisations such as the CWA played an important role in the community.

“I think it’s important that these groups continue because it keeps the community together,” she said.

“It’s really good for your mental health to know that there’s other people with your same interests, or you might have a different gift to offer.

“A lot of people have got this idea that they have to do knitting, crocheting and all that to be in CWA, when you don’t.”

Members have joined the association over the years for many reasons.

For some it was an opportunity to practise their hobbies while giving back to the community, and for others it was a chance to hone their crafts while connecting with others.

For Bev Weeks, the opportunity to combine her love for drama and performance while serving the community was a perfect fit.

“When we (had) the state conference, they would have what they call song and costumes ... and I thoroughly enjoyed being involved in doing song and costume,” she said.

“From that we would go into the age-care facility and entertain ... we’d go and sing for them, dress up, all that sort of thing.

“That’s what I like. That’s what attracted me to CWA.”

Although she took a bit of convincing, member Lucille Weeks joined the CWA in 2016 and has since enjoyed a decade of fellowship and community engagement.

“When we went to church, a lot of the ladies were members of CWA, and they were always talking about CWA and I thought, that sounds pretty good,” she said.

“We’re a small group, but we’re a very friendly group. We’ve got good leaders.”

The group meets once a month, with its next meeting scheduled for Tuesday, May 19 at 1.30pm in the Rochester library meeting room.

Anyone interested in joining is invited to attend the meeting.

With the branch’s 60th anniversary celebrations planned for later this year, the CWA is inviting past members to reconnect.

For more information or to get involved in the celebrations, contact Sally Bogie on 0487 170 126.