MOUNT MORGAN BRANCH UPDATE

Submitted by Arlene Roberts - President

The freshness of winters chill seems to be showing its presence early this year. Yet to spite the cold it does not decrease our passion to support a good cause and to help in our community. This was very evident when we catered for the Ride4lives motor bike ride which we catered for Saturday,13 May. Bikes from all sizes came to visit our town and converged on the Mount Morgan Railway Station and Explore Centre. The members of the Mount Morgan Q.C.W.A. worked hard for days before and on the day. With enough home baking of biscuits, cakes, slices, homemade sausage rolls and small pies to cater for 300 people was a mammoth task but we got it done. This was combined with 300 rounds of sandwiches of various types. Fresh fruit and water was also available for each person.

I must say they were such nice people - men, women and children who were a part of the ride which is in aid of Suicide Prevention. This terrible topic is known to everyone and it has impacted so many families. So it was a pleasure to cater for the riders and their support crew. The members were amazing and I am so proud of what they did on the day. We were also helped by four young volunteers. Ella Rough Anderson, Shane Alees Hayes, Jackson Belzner and Kodi Spanner. They also worked like anything to help to prepare for the riders to arrive. Many photos were taken on the day, but the work behind the scenes including the work in the kitchen needs to be included.

Thank you to the following sponsors:- Woolworths Gracemere, Rainbow Café Mount Morgan, IGA Mount Morgan, Mount Morgan Railway Hotel, Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc, C.Q.Today Newspaper.

On Monday, 22 May we had our craft day and we held a Country Kitchens Workshop. It was such a relaxed day. The table displays were set up and the banner was erected outside.

Inside the jug was turned on for a cuppa and the tables and chairs were set up. Table cloths were put on the tables and the cups were lined up to be used. This was our regular craft day and we got to know each other a bit better as we talked over a nice warm cuppa on a chilly day. As Elizabeth worked on a rag rug. Ladies spoke about crafts that they enjoy and on crafts they would like to learn.

I spoke on Country Kitchens and how it is a healthy eating programme that Q.C.W.A. Implemented some 10 years ago in conjunction with Qld Health and now Health and Wellbeing Qld.Showcasing eat more fruit and veg, sit less move more, portion control, have less added sugar, and much more.6 ladies were in attendance 3 of which are not members. These workshops are open to anyone who would like to come along. After about an hour of talking about the Country Kitchens Programme, the ladies made Cascadia’s for lunch. I spoke on our branch and Q.C.W.A. state wide.

This was a very friendly gathering and the ladies got to take home the aprons they wore. We hope to have more workshops in the future. There were several photos taken on the day.

Our craft mornings are open to anyone who would like to come along and meet the ladies and have a cuppa and a chat. You can bring your own craft projects or you can tell us if there is something you would like to learn. Our branch meets on the third Monday of each month and our craft days are on the fourth Monday of each month.

The branch is doing Domestic Violence Packs for the Mount Morgan Police Station to help victims of this growing problem .We also help with items for the local hospital. We welcome any ladies to come along and meet the members. If you see the Q.C.W.A. banner outside of the green shed near the skate park you know we are there.

We are looking at holding a stall at the Mount Morgan Show and at the Mount Morgan Wattle Day Festival later this year. We also have our cookbooks for sale at the Mount Morgan Railway Station and through the branch.

If you would like to find out more information, please contact me on 0428 457 461.