Kate Knight was returned as president of the Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club at the recent annual general meeting, with Trish Conway staying on as treasurer.

National councillor Aletia Norman and retiring councillor Sally Cronberger, travelled from Tamworth for the dinner with Aletia Norman chairing the election of office bearers, presenting badges and taking the pledge.

Margaret Stevens will stay on as vice-president, with Linda Lee accepting the position of secretary, while Judy Sills was returned as program officer and Adrienne Stubbs and Ro Eveleigh will share the delegate’s role. Marie Hobson will continue in the role of publicity officer.

The fun evening included the ‘friends reveal’ with members discovering who has been their secret Friend in VIEW for the past year and presenting a gift. There was much fun and laughter as a connection was made with the many acts of kindness and thoughtfulness people had received anonymously over the past 12 months.  

In her annual report, Kate Knight reflected on a COVID affected year which had impacted on the club’s fund-raising efforts to support disadvantaged students through the Smith Family charity’s Learning for Life program.

“Our club is about having fun and enjoying each other’s friendship while raising funds for our three students,” she said.

“Although some dinner meetings had been cancelled along with a day trip to the Reg Lindsay Memory Barn, the club was able to raise enough funds for the sponsorship as well as donating book prizes to the six schools in Gunnedah.”

Activities during the year included a demonstration by Tove Sparks and her daughter Elsa from Stockholm florist,  Mother’s Day was celebrated wearing a corsage, while Melbourne Cup sweeps were a hit fundraiser with colourful fascinators on display.  

The annual trivia night was enjoyed by all, and a movie night showing June Again, was a story members could all relate to.  

“We were lucky enough to have a Christmas meeting in December combined with our 30th birthday celebration when we welcomed all of our past presidents,” Kate said. “On the more serious side we had guest speakers such as Cameron McFarlane with his CPR awareness program that he founded and implemented throughout NSW schools as well as overseas,  and mayor Jamie Chaffey, who spoke about Gunnedah and where we are heading.”

Kate thanked committee members for their ongoing support as they went ‘beyond the call of duty’ dealing with each COVID situation.

“I would like to give a big thank you to Adrienne Stubbs for doing the birthday cards each month,  Anne Finnigan for going above and beyond her secretarial duties, sending emails or texting messages to our members informing them if we are or are not having dinner meetings due to COVID, situations, to Trish Conway for her extra treasurer’s duties, collecting envelopes and keeping on top of the banking with Raelee Bruce’s help.  Ro Eveleigh attended the delegate’s meetings and reported back to us and Linda Lee and Judy Sills who organised our programs each month.   

“I would also like to thank my offsider Marg Stevens for choosing the dinners, doing the apology list and filling in when required. Last by not least all the members for providing when needed, whether it is cooking or your input. I believe in the saying ‘many hands make light work’ and without all of your help and support our club wouldn’t exist,” she said.

“I would like to congratulate the incoming committee and hope they have the same support and friendship I have received.”

Next month’s dinner meeting is all about friendship with members encouraged to introduce a friend to VIEW. Guest names and apologies should be phoned to Margaret Stevens the Sunday night prior to the meeting.            

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