Greetings … from our National Organiser
Margaret Patterson
This year has continued with all groups discussing diverse topics , being delighted and inspired by guest speakers and by participation in a variety of activities to keep ‘ the grey matter ’ stimulated and horizons broadened .
The May meeting seemed to come around very quickly with the news that maybe a group will be established on the South Coast at Merimbula . Theresa Smith , who has had connections to NWR UK , was sent all the information including Bev Shaw ’ s contact details . Hopefully , the group goes ahead .
Again we had visitors from UK . Caroline Parsons came to the February meeting in Sydney and Jenny Hornsey joined the Illawarra Day group meeting when the topic was “ What country / area would you like to live in for a year ?” She contributed in the form of a poem which you can read in the Day group ’ s report in the Newsletter . It is always great to catch up with overseas members .
The Hills group has the Conference plans in hand and hope all will be there to make it a huge success . It is always fabulous to meet new members and to reconnect with those you already know .
This year ’ s Half Yearly Luncheon was again popular , with greater numbers than previous years . We were also very pleased to welcome Glenyse Pianta from Boroondara , Victoria . It was the first time for quite a few years that personal contact has been re-established with the group in Victoria . I hope we can keep the visits going . Glenyse has also extended an invitation to any NWR members visiting Melbourne , to contact her and have a chat , a laugh and a coffee .
There have been a couple of changes in UK administration . Llana Levine is the NWR Website & Publicity Co-ordinator for twelve months and Natalie Punter is the new National Organiser ( the position previously known as Business Manager ).
The Newsletter has been put together this year by Bev Shaw . Thank you Bev , for taking on the extra workload . I ’ m sure everyone appreciates your efforts ! Also I would like to thank the members of the Executive , Alison Smith Vice NO , Bev Shaw National Secretary , Bev Kearney National Treasurer & Public Officer and all the LO ’ s , who have made it possible for NWR to function . Margaret Fitzgerald too , for her excellent work with the NWR Australia Website . She ran an interesting workshop at Dapto recently , which enabled a number of us to see how information can be added and updated on the site .
Enjoy the rest of the year ’ s discussions , keep up the laughter and have a safe , healthy and happy Christmas & New Year .
Margaret
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