A cake representing different aspects of the South Australian Country Women’s Association (SACWA) was a highlight when the Tumby Bay branch celebrated its 91st birthday in August.
Sandy McCallum decorated the cake with strawberries and cream, and placed it on a silver platter, which she surrounded with miniatures that signify what SACWA is about.
A baby in knitted garments lay in a cradle, representing the baby bundles members contribute to, and two miniature vases held a single and a multiple flower, denoting the monthly show bench competition.
Two miniature baskets, one with materials, the other with balls of wool, represented handicraft mornings; a miniature jar of orange marmalade along with a tray of gingerbread men and a cookbook represented the jams and relishes which the branch sends to Adelaide to sell.
A miniature table with lace cloth and cake represent the afternoon teas that follow meetings; a knitted beanie on a foam headstand represented the branch’s show day competition; a miniature plastic white toilet suite represented the branch’s toilet addition to the hall; and a figure on the cake with a book represented the guest speakers that attend meetings to share their knowledge with members.
Members enjoyed a meal at the hotel together before returning to the branch hall for an interesting meeting.
The order of the day was ‘hats’ and a hat parade, with members sharing interesting stories of the hats they took along.
They varied from a bride’s going away hat, to a London bobby’s hat and modern sun hats.
There were several fancy and decorated hats, all kept in great condition by their owners.
The birthday cake was lit and cut by the branch’s newest members, Di Wyatt and Aileen Hampel, with the longest serving member Valerie Cronk fanning the candles out.