South Australian Country Women’s Association Marble Range Group members held their Table Day for 2025 hosted by the Cummins branch on Thursday, May 1.
‘Mother’s Day’ was the competition theme, with six items and overall composition being judged.
The five branches at Cummins Institute were competing for the Betty Ashman Memorial Shield.
The afternoon began with group president Julie Heath welcoming guests, members and friends.
After the national anthem was sung, Cummins branch president Valerie Hill was invited to speak and then introduced Robyn Modra, who entertained the gathering playing well-known tunes on her saxophone, which set a very happy tone for the event.
Guest speaker Julie Wilksch was awarded Employee of the Year at the Lower Eyre Council’s Australia Day awards and spoke passionately of her work at Miroma Place Hostel in Cummins – and undoubtedly every resident would love her for her dedication and devotion.
Julie declared the day officially open and each guest was presented with a thank you gift.
Members were honoured to have Mrs Ashman’s son, Tony, join them to present the shield.
Handicraft group officer Vicki Hull then revealed the results, with judges Marion Sampson (Wudinna) and Sylvy Dolphin (Lock) commenting on the beautiful work presented.
Points were very close, in a thrilling result Elliston branch placed first scoring 69.75 points from 70.
Yeelanna branch was second with 69.5 points.
Cummins branch and Karkoo branch placed equal third on 69 points, with Tooligie fourth on 68.75 points.
Outstanding certificates for handicraft were awarded to Lisa Jolly of Karkoo for sashiko stitching, cooking went to Rosemary Kenny of Elliston for pecan sandies (biscuits), and floral was awarded to Dianne Watson from Tooligie for an arrangement of succulents.
Winning entries for the chair display was Cummins branch, with Tooligie second and Gladys Hall third.
Lucky tickets were drawn and Valmai Webb won the very generous meat tray, kindly donated by the Cummins Meat Store.
Thanks also go to Platinum Hair Fx, 5 Loaves Bakery and each branch for items donated and won by many delighted ladies.
The Marble Range Group Handicraft Day will be held at Elliston on Monday, June 2, to learn three new crafts.
The group annual general meeting will be held in Cummins on Wednesday, August 13, with guest speaker Tamara Hall.
Also, the Royal Adelaide Show is on from Saturday, August 30 to Sunday, September 7 – you are very welcome to work at the very busy show café. Please book your shifts with coordinator Wendy Martin.
The afternoon concluded with Julie thanking all for their hard and dedicated work to continue the tradition of Table Day, inviting all in attendance to view the tables, visit the laden trading table, enjoy afternoon tea, view the displays of amazing handicrafts and covered coat hangers – a very enjoyable and successful day.
