Sadly, the Stitch Gatherers group have decided to call it a day. Membership has been steadily declining due to family or travel commitments, illness and members selling up and moving away.
Over the past ten years, the group have raised over $20,000 for the NSW Cancer Council, an exceptional effort for such a small community. However, putting on events like the Biggest Morning Tea involves a lot of hard work and many of the ladies are now well into their 70’s and 80’s. Recently the group has tried to recruit younger members, unfortunately without much success.
The Stitch Gatherers would like to say a special thank you to Joan Williams, who has been the figurehead of the group since its inception. In 2000, Joan (an avid quilter) found other ladies around the Cove who shared her passion and started a group called “Rainbow Quilters". In 2005 an offshoot of this group became the Stitch Gatherers.
So it’s farewell to the monthly meetings at the Hall, the camaraderie, the many cups of tea and coffee imbibed, the jokes and the joy of being with friends. The ladies do plan to stay in touch via some coffee mornings and an annual lunch. And maybe, just maybe one day, another group of crafty ladies will take up the cause.
