PRESIDENT Lorraine Roy welcomed Bass Group members, friends and descendants of the first Cowes CWA Branch on the occasion of the 90th birthday of Cowes CWA and the 55th anniversary of the opening of the CWA Rest Rooms – now the CWA shop in Thompson Avenue, Cowes.
A short history of the Branch included excerpts from Mrs June M Cutter’s publication “The First Fifty Years of the CWA on Phillip Island” – a valuable and informative resource.
In 1928 the Country Women’s Association of Victoria was formed and seven years later on Wednesday, April 10, 1935 a meeting of ladies was held at “Broadwater” Cowes at the home of Mrs Oswin Roberts. On that day 27 ladies joined and Mrs Oswin Roberts was the first president.
At the second meeting a commitment was made to support the Warley Bush Nursing Hospital. Money was raised through jumble sales, American teas, Dutch auctions, euchre parties and dances, afternoon teas at the local footy ground.
Ever mindful of the needs of the community 200 manna gums were planted at the recreation reserve; craft and cooking demonstrations were always popular.
During the Second World War Christmas hampers were sent to the local men on active service, members donated sheepskins for the RAAF pilots warmth, tens of thousands of camouflage nets were made. Homemade jams, pickles and preserves were made for the Defence Force. Food and knitted squares were sent to Britain, groceries to Warley Hospital and many appeals for assistance were answered.
In April 1943 the Branch pledged support for a Baby Health Centre in Cowes.
In 1954 Cowes Branch transferred from the Mornington Peninsula Group to the newly formed Bass Group and the first Bass Group Craft Exhibition was held at San Remo – this year they celebrate their 70th anniversary.
Membership was vibrant and a Choir and Drama Group followed with years of success.
The current CWA shop was first rented and officially opened on October 21, 1960.
It was also rented to the Warley Hospital Auxiliary, Red Cross and the Farmers Association.
Members also began to stock the shop with knitting and sewing for much needed revenue.
In 1968 a decision was made to purchase the shop and land and with the assistance of many local people, shops, businesses and service organisations the CWA Rest Rooms were officially opened on August 18, 1970.
Cowes Branch have had two Life Members of CWA, Cicely May
Peasley and Jayne Mitchell, as a record of achievement and dedication to CWA.
The 90th Birthday celebratory cake was cut by the two longest serving members – Dianne Holtrop and Jan Setford.
This was followed by a display of vintage clothing through the decades while some of the many achievements of the Country Women’s Association of Victoria and Australia were presented; followed by a delicious High Tea.
Cowes Branch meets on the first Thursday at 1pm between February to November. Members will also welcome visitors to the CWA Shop, 96 Thompson Avenue, Cowes most Wednesdays to Saturdays 10am – 2pm.
