She explained possible plans to assist Branches struggling financially to maintain rooms which are well utilised by the general community. 

Miss Cargill finishes her term as Treasurer in May.  She has done a wonderful job helping all the Branches with money matters.

There was an impressive array of cakes for judging in the Land Cookery competition.  The rainbow cakes were spectacular. 

As a person who only makes a foolproof chocolate cake for birthdays, I really admire the pleasure and skill which people show in producing their cakes. 

Damian Lewis of Trangie was champion cook and Nymagee champion Branch.  When I began writing this report our Group Secretary, Mrs Irving, was helping in the famous tearoom at the Easter Show. 

She went off armed with fruit cakes and date loaves to be sold at the kiosk.  Preserves, too, are sold and I believe all home cooking sells out in the first few days.

At Cobar, winners in the many handicraft divisions representing several Branches were - Sharon Wood, Gwen Wood, Alison Cosgrove, Pearl Jackson, Jane Terry, Denise Turnbull, Nita Edson, and Glenys Church, and the male section was won by Ron Plunkett and Junior, Sam Stone.  

A decision was made to change the Group rules so we have all handicraft judged at March Council meeting instead of some judging being done at the Annual Meeting. 

As well as that we are to trial the Land Cookery competition being held at the November Council meeting.

The success of the Far Western entry in the Intergroup competition, and particularly Mrs Annette Earl’s champion piece, was very exciting. 

Now we must see how our Group performs at the State Conference.  State Annual Conference will be held at Armidale from April 29 to May 4. 

A new Medical Research Fund will be chosen for support and Far Wester Group will support research into brain cancer in children. 

Support for a medical fund normally raises about $30,000 each year.

Head Office has just donated $50,000 from the Disaster Relief Fund to help the people of Tathra who have suffered after the bushfires. 

This fund accepts donations from anyone in the community and the donations are tax deductible. 

It is a wonderful way to give and know every cent will be spent where you want.  We must be proud of the respect given to the CWA.

The Group Cultural Day will be held at Nyngan on August 24. The subject for the Nita Dewhurst poetry competition is “My Nosey Neighbour.”

This could be a little risky but should be amusing. The poem should be 24 lines long and 25 counting the title.  Hermidale Branch welcomes all entries in good time for judging.

Branches are now in action in their communities.

I know Bourke Evening Branch has been fundraising and they helped provide lunch for the Bourke Seniors during Seniors Week. 

I think there will be 12 members of our Group at the Armidale Conference.

This wretched drought refuses to break. 

Steady soaking rain is a long distant memory.  Some fresh water down the rivers cheers people up and the Warrego has run for the first time in about 18 months. 

The Enngonia children are having a great time. 

With best wishes for a cooler and wetter season ahead

Margie Oldfield – Group Publicity Officer