The South Australian Country Women’s Association Octoman Group Table Day for 2025 was hosted by the Port Neill branch on April 8.
While the branches set up their tables – with the theme of the day being ‘A day in the outback’ – and the judges carried out their special duties, other members were entertained by guest speaker Helen Gordon, who shared the story of the journey taken by herself and husband David coming to purchase and run Port Neill Hotel.
Helen was one of six children, a lawyer, an ex-military personnel, as is David – with an engineering background – a mother of four daughters, a financial consultant and now publican.
It was a very interesting and entertaining story and in closing, Helen posed the question to those present: “What do you hope to achieve in the next 12 months?”
Host branch president Toni Hunt thanked Helen for her talk and for the friendly atmosphere in the newly renovated hotel, then presented her with a gift, after which all shared a delicious lunch.
Octoman Group president Gail Adler welcomed 37 members and visitors for the afternoon’s proceedings, with the creed recited and national anthem sung.
The usual meeting directives having been given, Gail read the minutes from a CWA Group Table Day held in 1956 – it was interesting to note the many changes to procedure from those days.
The only business mentioned was the Recruitment, Membership and Sustainability Committee need more bags made to present to interested or intending members and this request will be taken to all branches.
The group president then handed over the meeting to group handicraft officer Helen Kroemer, who introduced judges Julie Heath and Myrna Manley, who commented on the work presented, offered some constructive criticism and the results were announced.
Ungarra finished in first, Port Neill in second, Tumby Bay third and Port Lincoln fourth.
Helen thanked the judges and presented them with a gift.
Prizes for outstanding exhibits went to Kay Ingram for handicraft, Marlene Roediger for cookery, Lyn Telfer for floral and Glenice Hall for most imaginative.
Highly commended was Sandra McCallum for flower arrangement.
Winner for the chair display was Rita Bascombe with ‘knitting for miniature dolls’, collecting $16.10.
Gail then conducted the remaining business of the day and the raffles were drawn – the winners being Irene Hill, Lyn Telfer, Lizzie Dodd and Dorothy Mellor.
The trading table was opened and the day concluded with afternoon tea.
