Once again, I bring great enthusiasm to welcome you as a reader of this month’s newsletter. The months whizz by so quickly and there is never enough time to complete the tasks I set myself each day. Still, I cannot imagine a day without being busy!

The Events and Member Services Sub Committee recently organised the second of our Open Craft Days where all people are invited to bring their own projects to do while chatting with new people and viewing a selection of crafts. We also provided the opportunity to fossick through a variety of donated fabrics, craft books and unfinished projects. There were people with huge smiles. The best news from this was the high number of charitable organisations that will gain from all the tasks and the memorable accomplishments that all the crafters have because of giving to the community, not to mention the noteworthy feelings of hope, satisfaction and appreciation that recipients show.

 

Canning Show planning is well and truly underway. We are working on collaborating with outside agencies who can assist with expertise, support and sometimes even financial assistance to encourage higher numbers of entries into some the Exhibition classes. I suggest you may like to start learning the craft of working with leather. The rides that provide much fun and enjoyment for many a daredevil are being sourced, while expressions of interest for stall holders, volunteers, food vendors and entertainers are almost at a stage of going live.

Schools and community groups will be able to enter a tree for our orchard. That will become a People’s Choice with votes to decide who will win a prize.

The Committee of Management welcomed a new member, Mr. Ben Hayward, at the recent AGM. Ms. Victoria Jones and Mr. Brad Lewis-McKnight retained their positions. Mr. Colin Dawkins, who has provided 38 years of voluntary service to CAHRS, has decided to have a break from Committee roles. He will continue to volunteer at events. On behalf of staff and members I sincerely thank him for the 38 years. This is something to be very proud of, not just the number of years but the considerable loyalty and range of responsibilities he took on throughout that period, not to mention the countless meetings he has attended, they all must be recognised. Thanks Colin.

 

I must make mention of the past five years as I have enjoyed and worked hard as the first elected female President for this organisation.

My goal when I became President was to be an active leader and always lead by example. Mind you I have always felt like I was just part of a great team with like-minded people working together. I made myself available to listen and be involved in all parts of the organisation. I always felt it was a role that gave me opportunities to chat to all people. I do believe I not only took those opportunities, but I made it my endeavour to build relationships with the people that connected them and us. Another important part was to recognise every achievement or effort provided to the Ag Society either publicly or personally with often written acknowledgement. Thank you to all the people; staff, members, volunteers, visitors, tutors, sponsors, contractors, randoms that I have connected with. I am very proud to have held the Presidency for the past five years and

been able to give my time to continue great community work that was commenced under the Ag Society umbrella back in 1909.

This week we will vote a new President into the role, and I certainly will continue to be supportive, and I wish that person the very best.