CWA Country Women’s Association

[wptb id=6376]

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NYABING BRANCH OF COUNTRY WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
OF
WESTERN AUSTRALIA (C.W.A of W.A.)

1933 – 1939 Nyabing Town Hall, Richmond Street, Nyabing
1939 – current C.W.A. of W.A. Rest Room, Richmond Street, Nyabing

On Thursday 5 October, 1933, a meeting of the ladies of Nyabing and districts was convened with the object of forming a branch of the C.W.A. at Nyabing. Mrs Thrum, President of Katanning with Mrs H Anderson, Vice President and Mrs Wanke, organiser, motored out to attend.

The following ladies were present: Mrs Effie Charsley (President), Mrs Annie Quartermaine (President), Mrs Florence Jury (Vice-President), Mrs Eliza Shields (Vice-President) , Mrs Freda Marshall (Treasurer), Mrs Eva Chapman (Secretary), Mrs Vera Hudson, Mrs Ada Wisbey, Mrs Gladys Manuel, Mrs Sarah Batt, Mrs Dorothy Quartermaine, Mrs Daisy Quartermaine, Mrs Ethel Haltermann, Mrs Lil Thomson, Mrs Rachel Whowell, Mrs Ethel Ashcroft, Mrs Dorothy Campbell, Mrs Emma Hobley, Mrs Elsie Firth, Mrs Hanna May, Mrs Phyllis Marfleet, Mrs Hilda Blundy, Miss Grace Shields, Miss Dolly Batt, Miss Ethel Batt.

A dainty afternoon tea was served. The first year saw a membership of 22, with four associate members. The supper room of the hall was used at a cost of 1/- per meeting. A library was started, the Branch gratefully accepting 30 books from the Pingrup Branch. At a charge of 1d per book lent in the first year, £1/8/3 was raised.

ELECTIONS – 1934
The State President visited on 5 April 1934. It was decided to make the Branch object the “getting of a substantial bank account to be ready in an emergency.”

In 1935 the State was divided into Divisions, Nyabing being in the Southern Division. Mrs Jury travelled to Donnybrook for the Southern Districts Rally. The Branch began a tradition of Christmas Tree parties for the children in 1the same year with 120 children present.

From the 1934/35 reports, Mrs Chapman comments “we all must feel that we have accomplished something, we have gained experiences. Someday we will probably look back and smile at our mistakes, but it is on these that we climb to higher things. The Branch is well established and it has begun to be felt in the district”

1935 saw the commencement of the restroom fund with £35/6/9 raised for the year. On August 15 the first Bazaar was held raising £26/4/5. An application to the Railway Department for a block of land was granted and in August 1937, Mrs Thompson represented the Branch for the first time at Conference.

May 1938, a group of CWA Members inspecting the current Rest Rooms Site, prior to building in 1939. L-R Mrs Gibbon, H Blundy, Mrs J Shields, Mrs A J Blundy, Mrs J Firth, Mrs Brett, Mrs Marshall, State President Mrs L Craig, Mrs Jury, Mrs Whowell, Rita Prosser.

In May 1938, a group of CWA members inspected the current restrooms site, prior to building in 1939 and in June the restroom fund had reached £108. Negotiations for a restroom were being made and and it was hoped to have matters finalised not too long after with the building underway.

On July 4 1938 Nyabing had a visit from Mrs Burt, State President, Mrs Rowlands, President of Collie branch and Mrs Craig, Division President. It was reported at the time, “We are always very pleased to have visitors from our officers, as their talks do much to explain matters of our Association about which we are often times vague, and seems to keep us in closer contact and is also a delightful diversion.”

On December 10 1938, the Nyabing Branch of the CWA catered for the opening dance of the Roads Board Offices and Hall. £3/12/6 resulted from this effort for the fundraising effort.

CWA Restrooms built in 1939 for a total of £290.

The completed restroom was opened on February 25 1939, by Mrs Burt, State President. Division President Mrs McDonald and four other members of Cranbrook attended, along with members of Pingrup and Dumbleyung. Mr Watts M.L.A. was present along with a number of other non-members. A dance was held following the opening of the restroom in Nyabing.

To quote Mrs Marshall, “We were able to pay half the cost of the building, £142, and have arranged to pay off the balance at a rate of £25 per year plus interest. Our room is compact and cosy and we are exceedingly proud of it and our effort. It is indeed very pleasing to be able to see something for our work and to have the benefit of it too. We hope it will prove as much benefit to other women of our District.”

In 1939-40 a 1000 gallon tank and material for the front fence were purchased with Mrs Charsley kindly donating a lighting plant.

In 1940 conditions influenced the activities of the Branch. A War Saving Group [ii] was formed and the Branch undertook catering for afternoon tea for the local unit of RSL V.D.C. [iii] [iv] [v] on Sunday afternoons. The Nyabing branch was also instrumental in having a telephone extension installed in the Post Masters residence improving the after hours telephone Service. Parcels of cloth were sent to CWA War Relief Fund.

During 1941-42 the restroom was being left open on Thursdays for those needing somewhere to wait for the train and, at this time, apples were supplied to the school through the CWA Fruit Scheme.

In the 10^th Year of the Branch the membership was 22 and in June of that year, 1943, a Pioneer Women’s Day was held and papers were read on happenings of the early days of the District. October, saw the restroom free of debt with the Branch holding a rally to celebrate. In memory of Mrs Halterman who died on July 4^th 1944, the Branch placed an inscribed tablet on her grave as a token of respect and affection.

During January 1945, Mrs Shields presented the branch with an autographed tablecloth, which became an embroidered record of Branch Members. The Branch catered for the 21^st birthday of the Kent Roads Board, in spite of many difficulties while Mr Lionel Shields erected a chair rail around the wall. A testament to his workmanship sees it is still there today, 67 years later. The long awaited cupboard was installed at the same time. The library, which had been a great service to the community and raised a tidy sum, was closed in 1945, and the books sold. New books were purchased for £6/5/0 in 1946 while Mrs Guelfi and Mrs Gerhardy took charge of the ‘Goose Club’.

After discussion on finance of the Association, it was moved by Mrs McDougall, Secretary, and Mrs F Jury that this branch favours an increase in membership to £-/5/- in order to improve the finances of the Association while the War Saving Group was wound up in December 1946.

The 1948-49 Annual Report notes Branch efforts to start monthly visits by an Infant Health Nurse as there were 22 children to visit the Sister. Then on November 12 1949, Branch members travelled by school bus to attend a rally at Katanning. Mrs Craig was guest speaker and spoke on United Nations and Princess Elizabeth’s wedding at which she was present.

CWA c1950’s – Linda Broadhead, Florance Jury, Dorothy Sargent, Bessie Cronin, Mary Smith, Dorothy McDougall, Barbara Jamieson, child unknown

In 1950 a very fine mirror was purchased with donations from Mrs Marshall and Mrs R. Jury (Florence). The Mirror still hands on the wall of the restroom above the fireplace.

In 1951 the Nyabing Branch saw the first visit by State President, Mrs Foxton.

Then 1952 saw a dream come true, with the start of building a kitchen and anteroom at the back of the restroom at a cost of £463/10/0. This included a stove and sink. War shortages had caused years of delay in building the kitchen. The Education Department rented the Restroom at £1/0/0 per week to relieve overcrowding at the school from 1951-53. The Public Works Department paid £5/10/0 for deterioration during use by the Department.

1953 marked the first ever Divisional Meeting held in Nyabing which saw State President Mrs Simonsen visiting the Branch and in August, 1955, Mrs Spencer, Divisional President, opened the new kitchen.

During 1960, when the Nyabing Hall was being rebuilt, calls on the restroom were many and varied. In 1961, using £45 held in the War Savings Bonds, the Restroom was repainted. In August 1962, Sargeant Handmer from Katanning gave a very interesting talk on gold stealing. Also in that year Mrs Doreen Collins attended A.C.W.W. Conference in Melbourne. The Education Department once again hired the rooms at a rent of £3/0/0 per week while CWA meetings were held in Kitchen Shire Hall however branch memberships dropped badly in the late 1960’s.

In 1969 an agreement was reached with the Kindergarten Committee granting them use of the main room of the restroom complex with the then quarterly CWA meetings being held in the kitchen.

The years prior to 1974 were lean ones for the Nyabing Branch, with barely enough members to keep the branch functioning. Meetings were only held quarterly with three members from the kindergarten committee attending to keep up the numbers. In 1974, Branch membership stood at 17, and with branch spirit high, we saw the meetings returning to a monthly basis and incorporating a “Bring & Buy” Stall at each meeting.

L-R Mrs Shackley, Mrs Kath Johnston & Mrs Shearer out the front of the Nyabing Rest Rooms.

In April 1974, the Nyabing branch hosted the successful 50th Anniversary Jubilee Rally, held for the Great Southern Division of CWA. The President of the Great Southern, Mrs Shackley and all 13 branches of the Division taking part with items. The day being honoured by the State President, Mrs Shearer, whom cut the Jubilee Cake.

In 1975, changes were underway. The Shire had advised the committee that the septic system needed to be changed for a cost of $1500, and we were not able to afford it. However, as the Kindergarten had been using the CWA, and were also wanting to build, it was decided to build onto the rear of our building.

Approval from CWA Head Office was granted and the kindergarten incorporated kitchen and ablutions in the rear of the building. The CWA, Kindergarten Committee and community undertook various fundraising activities such as Melbourne Cup Luncheons, fashion parades, stalls and garden parties. A cropping programme at AP Webse was used to raise the last amount needed to clear the debt on the building. Mr Snow Collins loaned the money for the fertiliser needed on the crop. These funds together with a grant for $6000 from the Government made the realisation of the new rooms possible and is commemorated by a plaque on the wall.

In April 1976, totalling a cost of $13867, the large back room was opened. Left over monies were left in a maintenance fund for the future. At this time the Branch totalled 13 members and Mrs Doreen Collins was elected President of the Great Southern Division. Then in 1977 the repairing of the CWA restrooms, including tiling of the toilets and kitchen area, with a back shed and fence also being erected.

A rewarding year was held in 1978, with members entering the Division Rally for “Grandmother” Competition at Badgebup. We were honoured to host both the State and National Presidents during the years, as well as fundraising through craft days, Melbourne Cup Luncheon and Street Stalls.

With 15 members in 1979, the annual Melbourne Cup Luncheon was held and, together with community groups, Nyabing CWA assisted the P&C with catering during the “Back to Nyabing” Day. Nyabing CWA donated commemorative cards for the children’s prizes on the day.

The early 1980’s were very lean years for members, but 1983 saw us host the Branch’s 50th Anniversary. Our Celebration was held on 12th October, catered for by the then eight members, and State President Mrs Lundy presented us with a framed certificate to commemorate the occasion. The restroom was given a new lease of life by members and their willing husband’s(!!) with new carpet and with paving bricks and tiles laid beneath the pot-bellied stove.

1985 saw the passing of Mrs Elsie Firth, who was a founding member of our branch, and held the office of President, Secretary and Treasurer during her time with us.

The CWA State Cooking Competition was widely regarded, and our own Mrs Jo Addis was the Overall Winner in 1986. Then to top off a good year, she was also awarded the Citizenship of the Year Award. Showing that cooking runs in their veins, daughter Kathryn also was successful in the CWA State Junior Cooking Competition.

To celebrate the CWA State Jubilee, Mrs Jenny Ward made and donated this banner which still hangs proudly in our restroom.

Handicraft demonstrations in 1987 covered the wonder box, hand quilting and shadow patchwork. The bi-centennial Wall Quilt was kindly made by Mrs Jenny Ward, who also was awarded the Town Citizenship Award in 1991.

To celebrate the CWA State Jubilee, Mrs Jenny Ward made and donated a banner which still hangs proudly in our restroom.

Coming up to speed, in 1993 we celebrated our 60th Anniversary. On this occasion we were also visited by the State President, Mrs Barbara Dinnie, and over 130 people were in attendance to see the presentation for Past Office Bearers receiving 10 year Certificates. These ladies were: Mrs M Phillips, Mrs P Patterson, Mrs P Dolan, Mrs M Goodchild, Mrs J Addis, Mrs K Crosby, Mrs K Johnston. A request was also received in 1993 to lease part of the restrooms for the use of “Pre-School” by the Ministry for Education then shifting to the main school in 1997. We were quite sad to see them go as we had enjoyed having them use our building.

In 1994 at the AGM, Mrs Doreen Collins celebrated 50 years of service to our Nyabing CWA Branch. She was actively involved until her passing in 1999, and served a total of 57 years. Our first Christmas Market Day was held in 1994, and still continues on the first Thursday in December, to this very day. In 1997 playgroup requested to use the building which continues to this day.

In 2003, the Branch held its 70th Anniversary with past members, other branch members and state representatives in attendance; and members are looking forward to the 80th birthday in 2013.

Divisional Craft Day with Marjorie Goodchild, Kath Crosby, Maxine Gillis, & Jo Addis in 1994. The theme of “Teddy Bears” and Nyabing Branch received 1st place.

In the past few years, the restroom has had a facelift with the inside being re-painted and the outside having the walls painted, new guttering added and the garden revamped. Over the years the Nyabing Branch has been active in catering for many functions. Craft has been a big part of branch activities with members having craft days at branch level and entering Divisional Craft Competitions which they have won over many years.

Now in 2012, members include Jo Addis (President), Megan Tuffley (Secretary), Kate Johnston (Treasurer), Jocelyn Ward, Kath Crosby, Irene Arnold, Faye Adams, Paulene Urquhart, Alyson Cooper and Cathy Crosby. Meetings are held every second month with an activity of interest on the alternate month. The Branch still fulfills the needs of the community and upholds the ideals of CWA providing a restroom and meeting place for the community.

We pay tribute to those hard working women who went before us and built such a solid foundation for the Nyabing branch. Taking heart from those who went before us, members will go forward into the future with the CWA motto “Honour to God, Service to the Country, Through Country Women, by Country Women, for Country Women”

Taken within the Town Hall at the 70th Anniversary. Rear – Marilyn Gray, Pat Crosby, Cheryl Hobley, Unknown, Joan Stutley, Phillpa Dolan, Peta Patterson. Front – Vi Hobley, Jessie Jury, Phyllis Johnson & Kath Johnston

Tenth Birthday Celebrations – 1944

Great Southern Herald
5 February, 1944

Nyabing Branch, C.W.A.
Record of Activities.

The Nyabing branch, C.W.A., held a very successful rally in the Nyabing Hall on December 9; Katanning, Badgebup, Rockwell and Pingrup branches being represented, their generous co-operation assisting very greatly to the success of the afternoon.

The occasion was the celebration of the 10th birthday of the branch and on the afternoon tea table pride of place was given to a beautiful two-tier cake, made by Mrs. H. Cronin. At an appropriate interval during the afternoon, the top tier of the cake was raffled -10 candles and all – and the proceeds donated to the Albany Boys’ Hostel.

Proceedings opened with the National Anthem, after which “Our Creed” was sung by Mrs. L. I. Blundy. The President (Mrs. Firth) then welcomed the visitors, including the president of the Southern Division (Mrs. J. McDonald) the Divisional vice-president (Miss McGuire) and representatives of the various branches present.

Called upon to address the gathering. Mrs. McDonald gave a very interesting account of the activities of the Association during the year; such efforts including £1,000 mobile canteen presented to the Red Shield for use in forward areas, £4,871 for the Empire Gift Fund, £7,000 subscribed to war loans and £2,250 to various patriotic funds.

In conclusion, Mrs. McDonald urged unstinted support for the Boys’ Hostel at Albany. It was known that more than 30 boys had been unable to attend High School through lack of accommodation and the Association had determined to open a hostel this year for country boys.

Prior to afternoon tea, a pianoforte solo was played by Mrs. Fewson and later, Rev, R. G. Limb, of Katanning, gave an interesting address on “Housing in Rural Areas.”

On Saturday, December 11, the branch held its annual Children’s Xmas Treat, which was attended by more than 85 children. Items were given by children from the Nyabing and Boongadoo schools, after which the President (Mrs. Firth) presented prizes, donated by the C.W.A., to children of both schools for citizenship, good conduct and industriousness. In the evening, raffles were drawn for the cake (won by Mrs. Geo. Hobley) and the Xmas Hamper (won by Mr. J. Quartermaine); proceeds from the latter being divided between the C.W.A. War Relief Fund and Green Gate.

An appeal is made by the branch for donations of sheep skins to be made into vests for men in the forces by the Sheep Skin Vests Committee. Skins may be left with any member of the Nyabing branch, or the secretary (Miss H. C. Blundy) will be pleased to supply labels for their dispatch to Fremantle.

Some recollections of early days of the Nyabing CWA

As told by Kath Johnston as a child.

Mrs Phylis Johnston (nee Marfleet), a founding member, and Mrs Doreen Collins (Longest Serving member) in 1993, cutting the 60th Anniversary Cake

I remember being present at a meeting with my mother (the late Mrs Ashcroft), the meeting was held in the supper room of the Nyabing Hall. During the meeting a member (Mrs Haltermann) collapsed, as children were ushered outside. I believe the lady could have had a heart attack.

Another occasion (a happier one) was being at the opening of the Nyabing CWA restroom. My sisters and I, as children, were given the honour of presenting a posy of flowers to Mrs Burt and Mrs Janet McDonald. Mrs Burt cut the blue and white ribbons across the doorway to open the restroom.

Again, as children, we went to the first holiday camp held for country children at the Seaside Cottages in Albany. Mrs Otto Ramm from Dumbleyung drove a truck to Nyabing picking us up, together with Mum and Mrs Moore from Pingrup who were both helpers. Other children from Katanning and Tambellup joined in on the way, luggage and children on the back of the truck (no seatbelts). Mrs Ramm was a good driver although it was unusual for a lady to drive in those days.

The girls were in one room and slept on palliasses on the floor with the boys sleeping outside in tents. However the boys were soaked with rain and moved onto the veranda. The Albany CWA members came to the rescue drying the boy’s clothes.

The annual Nyabing CWA Bazaar was always a popular event. As was the Christmas Tree for the district children that CWA organised in the early days. Although I only joined the branch in later years, I enjoyed my time spent with craft and other events in the branch and the Division.

The late Mrs D. Collins was the longest serving member of the branch. Mrs E. Firth an early member of Nyabing, later became the editor of the CWA Country Women Magazine for a time. Mrs E. Colquhoun, also an early member, held the position of State Treasurer later on. I believe Nyabing CWA can be truly proud of its 70 years of membership.

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