Welcome everyone, it feels like winter has started already. A great time to be indoors and plan, start or finish a project. I have been visiting my sister Margaret in Boolarra and this provided an excellent opportunity to visit Mirboo North and take a selection of community quilts for their ongoing storm relief.
Just driving the short distance from Margaret’s showed how devastating the damage was . Giant trees sheered off, unbelievable tree sizes down on the way in and enormous piles of foliage debris cleared and collected ready for disposal. The recycling centre has been processing tree clearance deliveries since February.
Some residents are still without power connections to their homes and this is eight weeks after the tornado storm cell that struck. Insurance claims and companies are proving difficult. Twenty two homes need to be totally demolished and other repairs are still in progress. Counselling has been given to residents and local school children who are obviously still affected by windy days and rain.
Meeting with volunteers Bev, Kaz and Katrina was special. They have been working 7 days a week until just recently from 8 am until 8pm trying to find solutions and offer assistance with meals, services and support. The local ses , cfa and other community service organisations are also working to help residents. It will probably take up to 12 months to restore order and concerns are being expressed re the next summer fire season.
Our beautiful quilts were welcomed with emotional thanks and gratitude. They were overwhelmed by our generosity from an organisation so far away and felt their community has not been forgotten.
There will be no NOTYQ on ANZAC Day April 25th due to road closures, parade and an event at the RSL. A perfect opportunity to catch up with friends and sew.
We are proposing to hold a Makers Market on our soup and rolls day in June at the guild meeting. Margaret P will be the contact to book a table. The cost is $10.
We have been invited to participate in this years Wattle Festival at the hub on August 25th. This will provide an opportunity to promote our guild and sell raffle tickets for our Show quilt. A display of quilts, some demonstrations and a children’s activity are being planned.
Izzy will assist any members at the next meeting to connect via your phone to the website.
Looking forward to our next meeting with our guest Creina and some of her clothing items which will be for sale.
Wendy