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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