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The
Country
Woman Volume 61 No 03 June 2020
1
Keeping Connected—Staying at Home
For all Women of NSW and the ACT
Country Women’s Association of NSW Contacts
State Office State President State Vice President Hospital Support
Level 2, 244 Coward St Stephanie Stanhope Ann Adams Committee Secretary
Mascot NSW 2020 Ph: 0429 161 038 Ph: 0428 387 753 Susan Hutchison
PO Box 222 president@cwaofnsw.org.au cannoel@bigpond.com Ph: 02 6554 2185
Mascot NSW 1460 susan.hutchison@bigpond.
State Honorary Secretary State Vice President
Ph: 02 8337 0200 com
To be announced Judy Houghton
Fax: 02 8338 1595
Ph: 02 6342 3205 Agricultural &
info@cwaofnsw.org.au State Honorary Treasurer
judy.houghton01@gmail.com Environmental Committee
Anne Kotz
Honorary Editor Chief Executive Officer Secretary
Ph: 0428 511 948
Sue-Ellen Hogan Danica Leys Robin Godwin
treasurer@cwaofnsw.org.au
PO Box 1070 Ph: 02 6888 5647
Tamworth NSW 2340 State International Officer Cultural Committee robin.godwin@bigpond.com
sueellen.hogan@gmail.com Lyn Braico Secretary
Ph: 02 9487 2665 Yvonne Davis “The Land” Cookery
Communications and 31 Tripoli Way Committee Secretary
intl.cwaofnsw@gmail.com
advertising Albion Park NSW 2527 To be announced
Leah Gaskell State Agricultural & Ph: 02 4256 4541
Ph: 02 8337 0200 Environmental Officer noddydavis54@gmail.com Social Issues Committee
communications@cwaofnsw. Tanya Jolly Secretary
org.au Ph: 02 6975 6240 Show Catering Committee Elizabeth O’Dwyer
allawah@bordernet.com.au Secretary Ph: 0421 452 646
Association Patron Margaret Breust elizabethmarynash@
Her Excellency the State Social Issues Officer Ph: 0424 685 789 hotmail.com
Honourable Margaret Bronwyn Dunston marbre@yarrahapinni.com
Beazley AC QC, Governor of Ph: 02 6576 4070
Handicraft Committee
New South Wales bronwyn_dunston@dodo.
Secretary
com.au
Journal Patron Pam Wright
Mrs Libby Fairfax Ph: 02 6767 1044
pamwright23@hotmail.com
1
Cover: Crochet shopping bag by Dinah Jopson; Banana, Orange and Date Health Loaf by Susan Shearwood; Rainbow Ripple Baby
Blanket by Carol Mcintyre; Broken Hill members meeting via Zoom; Narrandera Evening members meeting via Zoom.
►► The Country Woman is the official publication of the Country Women’s Association
Motto
of New South Wales.
Honour to God
►►Average Circulation: 8,099 (September 2019) Loyalty to the Throne
Service to the Country
►►Article Submission Information: Members are welcome to submit articles for
publication. Articles must be received by the 10th day of the month prior to Through Country Women
publication and have a limit of 150 words. Please send articles by email or post to For Country Women
the Editor’s home address. By Country Women
►►The views expressed in The Country Woman are not necessarily the views of
the Association. Acceptance of advertising for The Country Woman does not Photo Guidelines
constitute endorsement of the advertisers’ products or services by the Association.
The contents of this magazine are covered by copyright, but may be reproduced Photos for The Country
by any Country Women’s Association of NSW Branch or Group. The Honorary Woman must be
Editor reserves the right to select and edit materials submitted for publication. No either full sized digital
photos (sent via USB
responsibility can be accepted for loss of photos.
or attached to an
►►Privacy Policy: The Country Women’s Association of NSW collects members’ email) or professionally
personal details and maintains a database in the Association’s office. The Country developed original
Women’s Association of NSW will never sell or give away personal member prints. Photos printed
information. Any information provided to the Association by members will only be on home printers are
used to assist the Association in providing and enhancing membership services and not suitable.
to refer new members to the Country Women’s Association of NSW. When posting photos
please do not write
info@cwaofnsw.org.au www.cwaofnsw.org.au directly on the back of
photos. You may add
facebook.com/cwaofnsw @cwaofnsw labels or Post-It notes.
2 June 2020 The Country Woman
Contents
State President’s Letter 4
CEO’s Report 5
Staying at Home 6
Virtual Branch Q & A 8
Advocacy update 10
5 steps for making your mental
health a priority 10
Committee Reports 12
Winning Short Story 17
Competition and Raffle Winners 18
Cultural Competition Results
Judges reports
18
20
6 10
The Land Cookery New Recipes 21
Food for these Interesting times 23
Financial update 24
State Treasurer’s Report 25
Sudoku 26
Telstra Update 27
Garry Prize Winning Essay 28 1
Welcome New Members 29
Story of the Month 30
From our Branches 30
From our Groups
ACWW SPA President letter
33
33 21 28
From the Editor
There’s not much to thank the family members, kind neighbours, friendly and efficient.
Coronavirus for; however, my online grocery shopping, home
It has been a pleasure to interact
cupboards have been cleaned, delivery of medications and library
with the Journal Patron, Libby
shutters wiped, windows cleaned, books.
Fairfax and over the past four
clothes sorted from those that fit
This is my last editorial for the years she has written the guest
and those that don’t, gardening
Journal and I am happy to say we editorial for the December issue
tasks undertaken, a walk each
have a new editor taking my place. I very willingly. Her words of wisdom
morning before the sun is up and to
do hope Sue-Ellen Hogan will enjoy have been much appreciated.
top all that up—I haven’t filled the
the journey as editor as much as I
car with petrol since January! Finally, thank you to all the
have over the past four years.
contributors who have supplied
I miss having lunch or coffee with
It has been my pleasure to work interesting and inspirational
friends, hugs and kisses from
with all the State Office staff material for our journal. Lastly but
family including grandchildren,
including Luisa Deacon, Jackie not least, thank you to the readers
the weekly art class and monthly
Camiller and especially Leah Gaskell of “The Country Woman”.
meetings with local members.
Communications Coordinator.
However, I’m grateful for healthy Noelene Grainger, Hon Editor
These ladies are always helpful,
The Country Woman June 2020 3
State President’s Letter
we try to navigate the wonderful There are those members who give
world of Zoom meetings. their time to direct the path of
CWA of NSW. I would like to thank
We have also been in high demand
Ann Adams, State Secretary; Annie
with regards to media outlets
Kiefer, State Vice President; and
looking for interviews and guest
Annette Turner, Immediate Past
appearances on local and national
State President, for the support
radio stations and on national TV
and encouragement that they have
stations. You may have seen Danica
given me, and all that they have
represent us on The Drum; she
Greetings from isolation! I hope, in given to our organisation. And to
was amazing, and I would like to
this troubling time, that you are all the Executive Committee Members,
offer her many congratulations on
staying safe and healthy, and that Virginia Stuart, Helana Donaldson,
representing us all so well.
this journal will find you all at home Sally Torr, Tina Billing, Wendy
COVID-19 free. I know that it has One of the many aspects of Morris and Christine O’Rourke.
been a trying time for us all and I Conference that needs to be Thank you for the time and effort
encourage all of you to remember addressed is the acknowledgement you have given to your groups and
the principles of self-care and the of those office bearers and to the organisation.
importance of the connections representatives who have finished
Take care everyone and thank you
that we promoted through our their term of office. Any organisation
once again for the support that I
“Sconversation” project whilst we needs the input of all members,
have received over the past months.
all battle with the negative mental and for those members to work
It has made the process of recovery
health impacts of social isolation together. Be that washing dishes
so much easier.
in our own ways. I know that after a function, cooking, organising
Stephanie
maintaining connections has been functions or advocating to business
difficult while in isolation but I hope and government. The list is endless.
you all have been utilising contact-
free methods of remaining in contact 1
with each other. I would like to take Online Branch Meetings
this opportunity to remind you of While physical meetings had to be cancelled due to COVID-19
the Mental Health hotline: 1800 011 restrictions, many branches are been able to meet online via Zoom.
511 has people on call 24 hours a day
and is available should any of you feel
the need to talk to someone. Also, if
you are worried about yourself or
someone you know and think that
they will require emergency mental
health intervention please call
000. With all the media attention Broken Hill Branch Narrandera Evening Branch
on COVID-19 we, at CWA of NSW,
are still pursuing governments for
assistance for those impacted by
drought and bushfires.
A positive to come out of this situation
is that we, as an organisation,
have progressed more into the
technological age than we have ever
Jindabyne Evening Branch East Maitland Branch
before! It has been encouraging to
see how you have all embraced these
necessary changes and persevered
through the difficulties of learning a
new skill on such short notice. I have
also had difficulties with utilising
these technologies and as such I
would like to offer my immense
thanks to those who have worked Southern Highlands Evening Branch Gloucester Evening Branch
patiently with myself and others as
4 June 2020 The Country Woman
CEO’s Report
arrangement and I’d like to thank many issues to work on coming
the operational team for their out of our postal voting process.
resilience and flexibility in how we We look forward to keeping you
approach our work. We’ve taken the informed of progress against these
opportunity also, at this time, to policies throughout the year.
execute a couple of projects that we
Kind regards,
have been exploring for a while. The
biggest of these is a new database Danica Leys,
(also referred to as a CRM customer Chief Executive Officer
relationship management system).
The new database will also come
Usually I would be providing with a new website and increased 2021 Conference—Bega
this report to you straight after services and functionality for you,
the conclusion of the Annual the member. We will also look to The 2021 Conference will held
Conference. I certainly missed the upgrade our accounting software from 3–7 May 2021 in the Bega
opportunity to meet with you all and move to a cloud-based Showground with registration
at this yearly event and see all the solution that has some efficiencies and church service on Sunday,
work and preparations that we embedded within it. 2nd May 2021. More information
collectively put into the event come will be available in the December
The organisation has taken a journal.
to life. The Hunter River Group had
financial hit, mainly through a
gone to great lengths to ensure
combination of decreased rental
that the Newcastle Conference was
income in Mascot, the lack of the
going to be fabulous and I know we
Easter Show proceeds and the loss State Office Bearers
all share in their disappointment at
in sponsorship from the Conference.
this current time.
We’ve applied for JobKeeper as a
2020-2021
That said, like many organisations result, which if deemed eligible, State President
in the current climate, we look to will be a very welcome
1 assistance
Stephanie Stanhope
find other ways of doing things. measure at this time. That said, I’d
As I write, Conference Delegates like to assure members that overall, State Honorary Treasurer
have received their voting papers we are a very financially stable Anne Kotz
and they are making their way organisation with significant assets,
back into the office for collation minimal liabilities and a structure State Honorary Secretary
and counting and we are, as much that will enable us to get back to Margaret Breust
as we are able, endeavouring to normal very quickly after this time
keep the organisation’s agenda and of uncertainty passes. State Agricultural &
important decisions on track as a Environmental Officer
Webinars on various topics such
result. I know we all look forward to Tanya Jolly
as public relations, finance and a
the opportunity to again see each
guest chat from GIVIT have been a
other face-to-face in Bega next State International Officer
great success and we will continue
year. Lyn Braico
to run these on various topics of
In good news, the cladding upgrade interest. Previously aired webinars
State Social Issues Officer
and foyer/level 5 improvement are recorded and available for any
project at Mascot is nearly finished member to view at a time that suits Bronwyn Dunston
and by the time you receive this them. They are available on the State Vice President
journal it should be 100% complete. Downloads section of the website.
I look forward to welcoming Ann Adams OAM
A reminder that Procedures
committees and members back into State Vice President
Manual updates will be out in July.
CWA House soon and you can see
This years updates will contain Judy Houghton
for yourself the great work that has
information about the member
been done here.
scholarship, a crowdfunding policy State Hon Editor
Almost all staff have been working and the updated merchandising
offsite and that has been going policy. All updated material will be Sue-Ellen Hogan
quite well with all of our usual uploaded to the Downloads section PO Box 1070
functions able to be maintained. of the website. Tamworth NSW 2340
We transitioned quickly to this sueellen.hogan@gmail.com
Going forward, we will still have
The Country Woman June 2020 5
Staying at Home
These are some of the things Press the remaining pastry out on a Banana, Orange and Date
members have made while staying lightly floured surface into a round,
at home. large enough to cover the tart.
Health Loaf (1981)
Place pastry round over the apples Photo by Susan Shearwood. Recipe
Why not try one of these yourself?
and press edges together to seal. from Jam Drops & Marble Cake.
Apple Tart Sprinkle top with extra sugar.
Photo by Jocelyn Parker. Recipe Bake for 40 minutes, or until pastry
from 365 CWA Favourites. is golden and cooked through and
filling is bubbling.
Dinah’s crochet shopping
bag
Ingredients
90 g butter, softened
2 teaspoons finely grated orange
1 zest
110 g (1 cup) raw sugar
Serves 8 2 eggs
240 g (1 cup) mashed ripe banana
Ingredients 120 g (¾ cup) chopped dates
By Dinah Jopson 300 g (2 cups) wholemeal self-
60 g caster sugar, plus 2
tablespoons for sprinkling Base: Using a 4 or 4.5mm hook raising flour
115 g butter, softened (old number 9) and cotton crochet 125ml (½ cup) orange juice
1 egg thread (single thread or double) Method
250 g (1 ⅔ cups) self-raising flour make 82 chain loosely, then 1 double
2 large granny smith apples, peeled crochet (DC) in each chain to the 1. Preheat oven to moderate (180°C,
and finely chopped. end then 2 DC in turning chain. 160°C fan forced). Grease a 9 x 19
Repeat on other side. cm loaf tin and line the base and
Method sides with baking paper.
Work 12 rows of DC. Remembering
Preheat oven to 180°C. Lightly 2 DC at each corner. The base of the 2. Cream butter, orange zest and
grease a 23 cm tart tin. bag can be made wider if desired. sugar in a bowl until light and fluffy,
Using an electric beater, beat 60 g beat in eggs one at a time, add
Body of Bag: Row 13, 4 chain into 1st banana, beat until combined.
of the sugar with butter in a bowl DC then 1 treble. 1 chain into 2nd
until light and creamy. Add egg and DC from hook. Continue across the 3. Transfer mixture to a large bowl,
beat well. Add the flour and stir to row, 2 treble no chain into corners. stir in dates. In a separate bowl, sift
form a soft dough. Wrap dough in Continue in this manner for 40 rows the flour (returning the husks to
plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 or length desired. the flour). Add half the flour to the
minutes. mixture, then half the orange juice,
Next 6 rows of DC then 1 row of slip then stir in the remaining flour and
Divide the dough in two pieces, stitch to finish off.
with one piece slightly larger than orange juice; stir until smooth.
the other. Using your hands, press Make 2 handles—6 DC for 23 inches 4. Spread into the prepared tin. Bake
the larger piece over the base and or desired length (remembering for about 1 hour. Stand 10 minutes
side of the tart tin. Scatter apples that they will be a little stretchy) Slip before turning out to cool.
and remaining sugar over pastry. stitch along the edges to neaten.
6 June 2020 The Country Woman
CWA Face Washer Banana Cake
By Merrie Hunt Photo by Susan Shearwood. Recipe
from CWA Cook Book.
Method Cream 2 tablespoons butter and
Preheat over to 170°C. Grease and 220g (1 cup) sugar in a bowl. Add 1
flour a 24cm x 13 cm x 6 cm loaf tin. beaten egg and then add 3 whole
mashed very ripe bananas, one at
Cast on 40 stitches and Knit rows Place flour in a bowl then, using your a time, beating well. Mix in 225g
1 to 5 fingertips, rub in the butter. Stir in (1½ cups) plain flour, 1 teaspoon
Row 6 and every even row until row the baking powder and sugar. Add bicarbonate of soda and 1 teaspoon
50—Knit 5, Purl 30, Knit 5 the dates, eggs and milk, and stir to baking powder. Add 2 tablespoons
Row 7—Knit mix well. Spoon the batter into the milk. Spoon into greased cake tin
Row 9—K21, P3, K3, P3, K10 tin, smoothing the top even. and bake in a 180°C oven for 35-45
Row 11—K21, P3, K3, P3, K10
Bake for 35-40 minutes or until minutes.
Row 13—K21, P3, K3, P3, K10
Row 15—K21, P9, K10 a skewer inserted in the centre Make an icing by melting 2
Row 17—K21, P9, K10 comes our clean. teaspoons butter and stirring in
Row 19—K21, P3, K3, P3, K10 Cool the loaf in the tin, then turn 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder, 1
Row 21—K21, P3, K3, P3, K10 out onto a covered
1 rack to cool tablespoon of strong coffee and
Row 23—K9, P3, K3, P3, K3, P9, K10 completely ½ teaspoon vanilla essence. Add
Row 25—K9, P3, K3, P3, K3, P9, K10 enough icing sugar to make a
Row 27—K9, P4, K1, P4, Knit to end Rainbow Ripple Baby smooth, even spread. Decorate with
Row 29—K9, P9, Knit to end Blanket. walnuts.
Row 31—K9, P9, K5, P9, K8
Note: Always remember to preheat
Row 33—K9, P4, K1, P4, K5, P9, K8
your oven and if using fan-forced,
Row 35—K9, P3, K3, P3, K11, P3, K8
set at 160°C. For the coffee in the
Row 37—K9, P3, K3, P3, K11, P3, K8
icing, Susan used used 1 teaspoon
Row 39—K9, P3, K3, P3, K11, P3, K8
instant coffee in 2 tablespoons
Row 41—K29, P3, K8
water.
Row 43—K29, P3, K8
Row 45—K23, P9, K8 Lacy Shawl
Row 47—K23, P9, K8
Row 49—Knit
Knit rows 51 to 55
Cast off Row 56.
Date Loaf
Photo by Tracey Phillips. Recipe
from 365 CWA Favourites.
Ingredients
450 g (3 cups) plain flour Photos by Carol McIntyre.
Photo by Robyn Chapman.
1 tablespoon butter Unfortunately, the pattern cannot
2 teaspoons baking powder be printed here due to copyright Unfortunately, the pattern cannot
165g (¾ cup) caster sugar restrictions; however, it is available be printed here due to copyright
120g (¾ cup) pitted dates, chopped for free at www.ravelry.com/ restrictions; however, it is available
1 egg patterns/library/rainbow-ripple- for free at /www.ravelry.com/
250ml (1 cup) milk baby-blanket patterns/library/lacy-shawl-34
The Country Woman June 2020 7
Virtual Branch Q & A
Members of the CWA of NSW Virtual We have
Branch have shared answers to introduced
common questions they get asked. Virtual Cuppas—
Do you conduct your meetings in an informal chat
the same way physical branches do? session held
several times a
Our meetings are held on the second month with no
Tuesday of the month via Zoom, an theme or agenda.
online meeting site, for which we Virtual Cuppas
pay a monthly subscription. Our are the Virtual where we share photos and run
meetings follow the same format as a Branch’s version of dropping in for challenges such as photography,
physical branch’s meeting with office morning or afternoon tea and a chat. cooking tips and recipes, craft tips
bearers, agendas and minutes like One member hosts the chat and all and patterns and quizzes.
any other branch. After the official members are invited to join in.
part of our meetings concludes we Do you ever meet up in person?
can stay online to chat and enjoy a Members have also participated in
There are limited opportunities for
cuppa together—we just can’t share a Virtual Walk where members who
us to meet in person but we have
food! like to walk for exercise were able
members who have met each other
to chat with each other using their
How do you know who is at the at State Conference and at The
mobile phones and Zoom while
meeting? Sydney Royal Easter Show CWA Tea
walking.
Room.
During the Zoom meeting all who Members also arrange to volunteer
are attending the meeting can be Which branch/group are you
and work together on the same day
seen in individual boxes on each affiliated with?
at the Sydney Royal Easter Show
member’s screen. When a member CWA Tea Room. The Virtual Branch is a CWA branch
speaks a yellow border surrounds in its own right. It is a member of the
her box on the screen, so we all How are you able to fundraise when
Mid North Coast Group. Members
know who is speaking at that time. you all live so far 1apart?
of the Mid North Coast Group
What difficulties do members face So far our fundraising activities have under the direction of the State
living so far apart? been held individually. Two of our Executive Committee convened the
members have held bake stalls to initial meet and greet of prospective
Because we are not all in the same raise money for the Disaster Relief members until the branch was
room new members may sometimes Fund and for our branch. These officially formed in December 2018.
feel isolated from the group but ladies, cooked, packed and worked on
our members strive to welcome How do you participate in the wider
their stalls by themselves. Last year
everyone and make them feel part community?
members held individual fundraisers
of the group. We have instigated in June, such as afternoon teas, wine To date members of our branch
a mentoring program, where new and cheese nights or donated money have held cake stalls, sent drought
members are offered an experienced to raise funds. care packages to other branches
member as a mentor for a few weeks in NSW, provided morning tea to
to help them settle in and feel We also participate in CWA raffles,
the branches in the Barwon Group,
comfortable joining in. and purchasing and selling CWA
knitted or sewn beanies and gloves
merchandise.
Other difficulties we encounter are for the homeless and sewn joey
fundraising, attending group events How do you participate in cooking, pouches for animals affected by the
(very few of us live within easy handicraft and International Days? recent bushfires.
travelling distance of our group) and Members who wish to participate Why did your members choose to
attending celebration events. in competitions enter items in join the Virtual Branch instead of
Are you able to get to know one their local physical CWA branch a physical branch near where they
another socially? competitions. live?
We have overcome the physical We held a “Learn to Knit” night via Our members chose to join the
distance between members through Zoom at one of our Social Meetings Virtual Branch for several reasons,
introducing monthly social meetings last year which proved to be great including flexibility of attending
which is a less formal get-together fun and full of laughs! from home, work or while travelling,
than our general meetings. Social Celebration Days are observed at balancing meetings with other
meetings often have a guest speaker our Social Meetings and via our commitments and socialisation
or theme to be discussed. Facebook and Instagram pages outside of existing friendship groups.
8 June 2020 The Country Woman
1
The Country Woman June 2020 9
Advocacy update
Much of our advocacy focus Government. that we can ensure our members’
is currently on COVID-19, and Thank you to all delegates who have concerns are heard.
ensuring regional communities sent their postal voting package We are currently seeking
are supported and issues are back to state office, we are hopeful information as to the new
raised at the highest level of the to commence advocacy on those arrangements for the Senate Inquiry
NSW Government. In May we met policy motions which are clearly into the Management of the Inland
(virtually) with the Deputy Premier passed. We will be required to ratify Rail project, given the restriction on
and the Minister for Regional NSW, any vote at the next AGM of the community meetings. We have put
Industry and Trade. The focus of Association. forward our position to the Chair of
the meeting was the brand new the Inquiry Committee, being that
Department of Regional NSW, and Thank you to all members who
sent in feedback on the CWA of we support virtual hearings given
we also took the opportunity to the pressing nature of this Inquiry.
discuss issues of importance to our NSW submission to the NSW
Independent Bushfire Inquiry, and We have also written to a number of
members, such as bushfire recovery, NSW Ministers with responsibility
water and drought, regional health, to the Social Issues and Agricultural
& Environmental Committees who for NSW Planning approvals because
and inland rail. The Deputy Premier many sections of the route will now
has offered an “open door” policy put forward members’ concerns.
The Submission was lodged in April need state government approval.
for the CWA of NSW, and we are Many of our questions about route
developing a close relationship with and the inquiry is ongoing, holding
virtual community meetings to selection remain unanswered. If
the new Department of Regional any members have any specific
NSW which we are hopeful will hear from impacted people and
businesses. concerns please be in touch with
further elevate our advocacy the Policy Manager.
concerns and positioning. We are a member of a number
of government reference groups The status of the Independent
Thank you to the members who Planning Commission approach to
have sent in feedback relating to the which have specifically been set
up in response to COVID-19 and/ assessing the Narrabri Gas Project
issues around seeking COVID-19 has not yet been announced, and
related support or services, or drought and bushfires
1 including
the NSW Department of Primary we have placed our position on the
including perhaps in conjunction record—being that we support a
with seeking bushfire recovery and Industries, the National Broadband
Network, Agriculture and Wellness pause of the inquiry, until face-to-
drought support. The main issues face consultation is permitted.
regional people and businesses are Support Providers, the National
facing in seeking COVID-19 support Farmers Federation, and the The CWA of NSW is a member
are to do with proving a drop in Department of Prime Minister and of the NSW Government and
income during a very specific Cabinet. These groups although SafeWork Quad Bike Safety Group.
time period, where drought and broad in nature are an excellent Keep an eye out for our campaign
other natural disasters has already opportunity to directly provide on “keeping kids off quads”, which
impacted income. We have relayed input to policy makers. Please stay is currently rolling out across social
all of the concerns to the NSW in touch with the Association so media and regional print media.
5 steps for making your mental health a priority
fitness goals and promises to eat what “mental health” means, make
better, plan to work smarter and this the year you find out.
spend more time with family or
Just like physical health, everyone
friends. Now is a good time to think
“has” mental health, not just people
about making your mental health a
who have been diagnosed with a
priority.
mental illness or condition.
Follow these steps to invest in your
Your mental health is your
mental wellbeing.
psychological and emotional
Your mental health is your psychological and
emotional wellbeing. 1. Understand what mental wellbeing. The World Health
Organisation defines mental health
Many of us hope that each year we’ll health actually is as “a state of well-being in which
be feeling healthier and happier
If you’re still a bit unsure about every individual realises his or her
than the year before. We make
10 June 2020 The Country Womanown potential, can cope with the Build meaningful relationships can be a good thing, helping you
normal stresses of life, can work to focus and perform well under
Feeling connected to other people
productively and fruitfully, and is pressure, ongoing stress is not
can play an important part in
able to make a contribution to her healthy for your body or mind.
feeling and staying mentally well.
or his community.”
Everyone will have different Some strategies for decreasing
Being mentally well doesn’t mean ways that they find meaningful stress are knowing what triggers
you don’t experience “negative” connections with people. You might your stress, practising relaxation
emotions or reactions, like sadness, do this by developing relationships techniques, setting achievable
anger, grief or frustration. Similarly, with family and friends, connecting goals, making time for activities
being mentally unwell doesn’t with co-workers or classmates, you enjoy, and using tools like to-do
necessarily mean that you can’t joining a team or club where you lists to help you set priorities.
experience emotions like happiness spend time with likeminded people,
or excitement, go to work or school, or volunteering for a charity or 4. Take time out
or have relationships. community organisation. Sometimes you just need to take
Having mental wellbeing means Find your purpose a break and allow yourself to rest
being able to experience all the and relax. You might find it helpful
Feeling like you have purpose can to schedule some “you” time each
ups and downs of life and cope
help you feel motivated and build day or week, or take the occasional
with them in a psychologically and
your self-esteem. You might find day off to help you relax and reset.
emotionally healthy way.
purpose by working at a job where Put the to-do list away, switch your
Mental health and mental illness you get to use your strengths and phone to silent and do something
talents, by looking after a person or that makes you feel good, whether
Some people experience mental
a pet, or by engaging in hobbies that that’s going for a run, practising
health conditions, like depression,
are meaningful to you. What gives meditation or watching your
anxiety or schizophrenia, which
you purpose is very personal, and favourite TV show.
impact on their mental health.
might change throughout your life.
Mental illness is very common: 20%
of Australians will experience a Give your mind a workout 5. Get help when needed
mental health condition each year. It’s important to know that there are
Mindfulness or meditation
We often only hear about mental techniques can help
1 you learn to professionals and resources to help
health in the media in stories about quiet your mind and stay present in you if you’re not feeling mentally
mental illness. But mental health the moment. Practising these might well.
isn’t only about mental illness; it’s help you learn how to deal with Signs it’s time to seek professional
about your overall wellbeing. stress and help you relax. help include:
Learning to be aware of your mental Tools like the Your Mental ▪▪ you’ve been feeling sad, down,
health may help you identify what Wellbeing building blocks (https:// angry, depressed, numb or
helps you feel mentally well, times mentalwellbeing.initiatives.qld.gov. generally “not yourself” all the
when you are not well, and when au/buildingblocks) can help you time, for two weeks or more
you might need to seek further help. to map out the different aspects of
life that impact on your health, and ▪▪ the way you’re feeling is affecting
2. Cultivate mental what you can do in each area to look your ability to cope at work,
after your health and happiness. school or in your relationships.
wellness
You can find more resources You can start by talking to your GP,
Just like you eat your veggies and
about looking after your mental a trusted friend or family member
exercise to keep your body well,
health on the Head to Health who is a good listener, or by calling
there are things you can do to
website (www.headtohealth.gov. a helpline like beyondblue: 1300 22
promote mental health (handily,
au). This Australian Government 4636 or Lifeline: 13 11 14. If it’s an
they also include eating well and
website focuses on four broad emergency and you think your life
exercising!).
aspects of life that can impact your or someone else’s life is in danger,
Look after your body and mind mental wellbeing: physical health, always call Triple Zero (000) for an
connectedness, purposeful activity, ambulance.
Exercising regularly, eating a healthy
diet, drinking plenty of water and and feeling safe, stable and secure. Remember that only a trained
getting enough sleep can all play a health professional can diagnose
role in your mental health as well as 3. Find ways to decrease you with a mental illness and offer
your physical health. Cutting down stress treatment services
on smoking, alcohol and drug use
Stress can impact anyone and can © The State of Queensland
can also help improve your mental
affect your mental and physical (Queensland Health) 1996-2020.
wellbeing.
wellbeing. While a little bit of stress Printed with permission.
The Country Woman June 2020 11Social Issues Report
The Social Issues Committee ▪▪ paramedics our priorities for the coming year.
began the year running, then the ▪▪ school hats The introduction of the Palliative
year turned upside down with the ▪▪ mixed gender wards Care Nurse Grant, over three years,
drought and bushfires. We battled
and survived these and then came
▪▪ Awareness of AEDs and signage was successful with three applicants.
the Coronavirus. This changed the
▪▪ Birth registrations I would like to thank Mary and
world overnight and brought the ▪▪ Homelessness Melanie for the wealth of knowledge
world to a screeching halt. Zoom ▪▪ Royal Far West Invisible Children you have given this Committee over
the past twelve months, we are sad to
meetings, webinars, teleconferences Report, to name a few.
see you go but wish you all the best.
became the normal. Not having We are still following with great I would also like to thank Stephanie,
family drop-in or catch up with interest in: Danica, Jackie, Adair and all the staff
friends, having to stay at home and ▪▪ Royal Commission into Aged Care at State Office for all your assistance
isolate, etc, was very hard to do Quality and Safety over the past 12 months.
but we did, and we have survived ▪▪ Review of the Narcotic Drugs Act The Committee held their AGM on
but I think our outlook on life has 1967 (this was released early in
changed—time will tell. Tuesday 5 May via Zoom. Our State
September and the Committee is President, Stephanie, oversaw the
We were scheduled to host a reading it currently. At a glance, it election of our Committee Secretary.
workshop at State Conference in looks good and in line with some
Newcastle as well as our display. of CWA of NSW recommendations I would like to welcome the
The State Conference was cancelled that were used in our submission) Committee for 2020/2021:
due to the Coronavirus. Hopefully ▪▪ Offensive language on vehicles Secretary: Elizabeth O’Dwyer.
Committee members: Leonie Fish,
we will be able to use our topic— ▪▪ Review of Fair Trading Amendment Karen Pavey, Maggie Kyle, Narelle
Domestic Violence, next year for our (Cash Loan Machines) Bill 2019
Sargent, Tina Billing and Annie
workshop. ▪▪ Review of Government response Kiefer.
We continue to have input in policies to Final Report of the Inquiry into
and make recommendations on the Support for New Parents and Our next meeting will be on Friday
motions passed at State Conferences. Babies in New South
1 Wales 3rd July via Zoom. Please keep the
We received a wide range of issues ▪▪ Special Commission of Inquiry Committee informed if there is any
issue in your area.
from members for discussion: into Drug “Ice” submission
▪▪ Safety of coloured corn starch ▪▪ Cannabis Medicines Prescribing Stay safe,
used for fun runs, etc Guidance submission. Bronwyn Dunston,
▪▪ juvenile justice Our first meeting in July 2019, we set State Social Issues Officer
Hospital Support Report
The Hospital Support Committee packs are for the use of Health Care Westmead Children’s Hospital. The
held their AGM by teleconference Workers to enable them to shower social worker said she was “over the
on Monday 4th May. The election of after treating COVID-19 patients. moon” to receive these items.
office bearers was chaired by State The Committee is also working with The Committee continue to sponsor
Executive member, Susan Vassie. the GIVIT team to assist families a Family Room at Ronald McDonald
The office bearers for 2020-2021 are in need. Contact is made through House at the John Hunter Hospital.
Chairperson: Elisabeth Hodgson, the relevant social worker and we Unfortunately, with the cancellation
Secretary: Susan Hutchison, have been able to mail premmie of Conference our fundraising
Treasurer: Kerrie Tomlins. babywear for mothers in crisis and efforts have been reduced and we
While a lot of hospitals are currently also toys, books, games and puzzles will struggle to continue this very
in lockdown, Committee members to Westmead Children’s Hospital for worthwhile project. We were only
have still been able to make some the social worker to use with special able to sell a small amount of raffle
deliveries to hospitals where needs children. A lot of very sick tickets and the winners are listed in
requested. Kerrie Tomlins has children are isolated at the moment this journal. The Committee thanks
delivered toiletry packs to Westmead and are unable to have visitors, and the members for their continued
Hospital and Mount Druitt Hospital need the books and toys to entertain support as we endeavour to assist
while Maureen DeBrincat delivered them during this time. Kerrie Tomlins families in crisis.
toiletry packs to Royal North Shore was able to receive permission to
deliver a large box of toys, books and Elisabeth Hodgson,
Hospital. Some of these toiletry
teddies direct to the social worker at Chairperson
12 June 2020 The Country WomanInternational Report
Thank you to everyone for your All registrations will be logged in, understanding and hope that we can
amazing entries in the 2019 in order of Coupon receipt and enjoy a wonderful, if not a bit more
International Competitions for payment, and a waitlist will be intimate and informal, International
Papua New Guinea. The Books, created. Should anyone cancel, Seminar on Ecuador in 2020.
Postcards and PowerPoints have then the next on the waitlist will Please do not hesitate to call me if
been judged and will be on display at be registered for the Seminar. you have any queries: 0422 580 922.
the International Seminar in Dubbo. With restricted numbers in mind,
The Dolls, Bilums and International we will have an innovative process Thanks,
Needlecraft will be judged on Friday, to ensure state-wide equity of Lyn Braico,
7 August, 2020 between 5.00 pm attendees for all Groups. i.e. One State International Officer
and 7.00 pm at Dubbo and then also space will be reserved for each
displayed at the event. All prizes will Group International Officer (or their
be awarded during the Seminar on representative, with confirmation of Ecuador Seminar
Saturday, 8 August, 2020. this appointment from their Group
The 2020 Registration Coupon is International Officer) and one Registration
in this Journal and on the CWA of additional person per Group, then
in order of registration as received.
Saturday 8 August, 2020
NSW website. Please note that as I
write this article, the Government is I know this may disappoint some Name __________________________________
relaxing the COVID-19 restrictions, members, but it is the only way to
_________________________________________
yet we are still unsure of what enable all Groups to attend. As some
Groups do not send members, and Branch:________________________________
guidelines will be in place in August.
Having said this, the International once the Registrations close on Group:_________________________________
Committee still propose to host the 30th June, 2020, we will open up
the Registrations to the waitlisted Email:__________________________________
Seminar in Dubbo 8th August, 2020;
however, there may be number members. If the “100 person _________________________________________
limitations on our event. We are restrictions” ease, then we will
advise more members on the waitlist Phone:_________________________________
steaming ahead in the hope that we 1
can offer an opportunity to have a of their ability to attend. Members Day Seminar $80.00
break from our isolation, a chance who have registered, paid, been
confirmed yet not actually arrive Saturday Dinner:
to catch up with friends and hear
interesting speakers on Ecuador. We to Seminar, sorry, there will be no No. of persons @$50.00 ___________
hope to have permission to gather refunds this year. Please ensure you
have email contact on your Coupons Names:_________________________________
at least 100 attendees and still
ensure the safety of our members. so we can keep you up-to-date with _________________________________________
As always, we will be guided by the all Seminar news.
Total (GST inclusive) $____________
government and should we have to Those not wishing, or able, to attend
further postpone the Seminar, we Seminar can pre-order the Seminar State any dietary needs
will make the call mid-July. Dubbo Booklet/Pack and there is space _________________________________________
RSL has more than enough space to on the coupon to order and pay for
Pre-Order Seminar Booklets
responsibly distance all attendees your order. We will post out all pre-
and are really hopeful to have ordered books prior to the Seminar No. of books @$20.00 _____________
visitors to their town in the wake of to avoid any confusion at the event. Please post with cheque made
COVID-19. We thank you in advance for your payable to “CWA of NSW
International Seminar” to
Country of Study 2020: Ecuador Lyn Braico, PO Box 2182,
Normanhurst NSW 2076
or
Direct Debit and send as above
Account name: CWA of NSW
International Seminar
BSB: 012823
A/c No. 191599617
Please ensure your name is
referenced on your deposit.
The Country Woman June 2020 13The Land Cookery Report
By now Conference would have loaf tin. Sugar Art has had a revamp thanks
been over. I really missed the ▪▪ The Jam Drops should be 5cm to Jo Holt so I hope everyone gets
whole occasion, catching up with inspired by this whole section.
members that you only see once a
▪▪ The Gluten Free Caramel Walnut
Slice, to be cooked in a slice tin. I see there has been a lot of fabulous
year. We will have to make next year cooking coming up in the Closed
Six Pieces to be presented cut
bigger than ever. Facebook Group so I am hoping
approx. 5 cm x 3 cm.
We have introduced a special cake we get a lot more entries from our
These have been corrected now
for our 70th year of The Land schedule. We should all encourage
in both the schedule and recipes
Cookery Competition. It’s a Cherry everyone to have a go.
online.
Blush Cake. We have had some fun I am putting out a challenge to see
making this so I hope you all enjoy The Orange and Tarragon Jelly has
how many can make the Banana
it. The use of red glacé cherries is 2 small sprigs of Tarragon. I have
Bread in your Branch Cooking
required for this recipe. been talking to a nursey man and
competition. It’s very cost effective
he said get the perennial French
Please note, a couple of corrections (about $4.00 to make). You could
Tarragon, at this time of year cut
have been made to the schedule so help some of your new members
all your sprigs off then whether
take another look at the website with loaning them a loaf tin if they
it be in a pot or the ground cover
(www.cwaofnsw.org.au/cookery) don’t have one to make this. At
with a light mulch, let it sleep for
and maybe print it out for some Conference when I get all the group
the winter, with some occasional
members that don’ have a computer, forms in I will acknowledge the
water and it will burst to life come
as there will no glossy schedule this Branch that achieved the highest
spring. During spring it should be
year. number of Banana Bread loaves
plentiful to buy fresh sprigs from
Corrections include: cooked.
the supermarkets. Dried Tarragon
▪▪ The Carrot Gingerbread Loaf is doesn`t work. Denise Hawdon,
to be cooked in approx. 24 x 13cm Our Section 6 Cake Decorations and Chairperson
1
Handicraft Report
We have certainly been living in meeting held on 5th April we Competition Day.
difficult times over the last few discussed next year’s competition
If anyone has any questions in
months. I sincerely hope that regarding what items are eligible to
relation to this, please do not
everyone has been able to stay safe be entered. The following decision
hesitate to contact myself or our
and in good health. was made:
Secretary, Pam Wright.
It was very difficult and disappointing All this year’s entries, even though
It was also decided at the meeting
for me to have to cancel this year’s eligible to go to state, which was
that as from next year’s competition
competition; however, I am satisfied cancelled for this year, will need to
(2020/2021) there will be no
now that the right decision was be entered in the Group Competition
painting, pottery or scrapbooking
made in view of all the restrictions next year and to be judged with all
accepted in the Handicraft
that the government had to put the other articles produced during
Competition.
into place to stop the spread of this this lockdown. However, each
devastating virus. Group is autonomous and if they The Committee did have another
want to send this year’s entries to 2-day workshop planned to be held
With everyone spending a lot of
state without having another Group in Wagga Wagga in September. It
time at home I am sure many of you
Judging, it is up to them. They can, was decided to cancel this as well,
have been able to complete all the
however, only send the same number as everything is still uncertain at
UFOs (unfinished objects) that have
of items as usual. Unfortunately, it this time. Hopefully we will be able
been lying around in cupboards for
will be bad luck if an item picked for to start afresh next year and run
a long time or have started a new
state this year does not get picked some very interesting workshops
project that you may have been
again next year—blame the virus. for members to attend.
wanting to do.
Some people are of the opinion that Keep smiling and enjoying whatever
The Committee has met twice items judged for this year will not it is you are doing.
during this time via Zoom which have to be judged again next year
proved to be very different than but that is only the case if the Group Diana Frost,
meeting face-to-face. At our decides not to have another Group Chairperson
14 June 2020 The Country WomanAgricultural & Environmental
The Agricultural & Environmental some great rain falls in parts of
Committee members are Robin NSW and this has put down some
Godwin (secretary), Joy Beames, good sub-moisture for planting for
Agricultural &
Alexandra Bunton, Cate Hardy, our summer crops. Environmental Seminar
Toni Nugent, Margaret Muspratt, Leeton, NSW
News of the Chinese government’s
Margaret Rolph and Karen Weller.
decision to impose a tariff of up to 14th & 15th September 2020
Congratulations to all the winners 80% on Australian barley will be
of our Competitions, we really enjoy another huge kick in the guts for Name(s)_______________
judging these and would like to grain producers if the Australian ____________________
commend you all for the time and government cannot stop this. A lot
effort taken in all the categories. could be said of the timing of this. Name of partner if attending
____________________
Like many of you we are using According to Sunrice there will
Address:_______________
Zoom; this was used for our AGM be no Australian rice on our
and are looking at holding our July supermarket shelves by December. ____________________
meeting this way too. Some great They are reporting it’s the cost of _______ Post Code:______
motions were set for this year’s water and the Murray Darling Plan
Conference so looking forward to which is affecting rice growers. Phone:________________
hearing the results. Mobile:________________
Tanya Jolly, Agricultural &
94.9% of NSW is still classified as Email:_________________
Environmental Officer
being in drought. We have seen ____________________
Branch________________
Leeton seminar, 14th & 15th September, 2020 Group:________________
Join CWA members and friends for Emergency contact details
the Agricultural & Environmental 1 Name:________________
Seminar in Leeton, NSW.
Phone:________________
Registrations are to be posted to
I have enclosed a cheque/
Joy Beames using the form on this
money order for $150 per
page or can be emailed if preferred.
person for the seminar.
Please remember to check vacancies
Total:__________
before paying.
Cheques or money orders to be
Cost $150 (includes morning and made payable to “CWA of NSW”.
afternoon tea, and lunch on both
days). I have paid by direct deposit for
$150 per person for the seminar.
Visits include DPI Yanco, a citrus and hazelnut orchard, wetlands and
cotton facility. Total:__________
Some accommodation options include: Date:___________
▪▪ Motel Riverina 6953 2955 The account details for direct
deposit are:
▪▪ Leeton Heritage Motor Inn 6953 4100 BSB: 062 014 A/C: 00901538
▪▪ Historic Hydro Motor Inn 6953 4555 Name: Country Women’s
Association of New South Wales
▪▪ Leeton Caravan Park 6953 3323 Reference: Your last name
Please check with Joy followed by AAE
Beames (6375 1173, 0428 751 Notify when sent: joybeames@
173 or joybeames@gmail. gmail.com
com) to ensure that there Send coupon with payment by
are places available for the 31st August to: Joy Beames, PO
seminar before booking your Box 92, Dunedoo 2844
accommodation. Ph: 02 6375 1173
Numbers are limited. Email: joybeames@gmail.com
The Country Woman June 2020 15State Cultural
The cancellation of State Conference in the vital roles of Secretary and taking place. Simply preparing a
really brought restrictions around Treasurer, and for their enthusiasm competition entry is worthy of note
“social distancing” to the forefront and organisational skills. Thanks and deserves congratulations.
of living through the COVID-19 also to the other Committee
Retrieval of the “not-drawn-at-
pandemic for members of the members for accepting nomination
the-Conference raffle” books
extended CWA family. From mental to the Committee: Mary Bowman,
was a mammoth effort for our
health and cultural perspectives Janet Klepatzki, Liz Lazzaroni,
Treasurer; special thanks to Alison
attaching the word “social” to Norma Power and Pam Simcoe.
for successfully coordinating this
the distancing we need to place With the varied interests, talents
challenging task. The possum-wool
between ourselves and others is and expertise of these women we
silk poncho and stunning evening
somewhat of an oxymoron. While are assured that all things cultural
purse both went to Chris Ford,
“physically distancing” is required, will thrive in 2020/2021. Best wishes
Walgett Branch, and the Inspire
social connections are even more and thanks to our Representative,
jewellery to Helen Galton OAM,
essential to our wellbeing than Sally Torr, who is retiring from
Bega Branch. Two prizes from five
when things are chugging along in a Executive. Sally’s presence and
tickets are exceptional odds; Chris
more “normal” manner. Friendships support at the wonderful workshop
should take a lottery ticket for a
and contacts; speaking to each at Kandos-Rylstone last November
chance at a winning trifecta! Thank
other via telephone, sending a card, was greatly appreciated.
you everyone who supported this
writing a letter or texting and, for
Unfortunately, the China Painting fundraiser.
the technologically savvy, Skype or
and Art Competitions had to
programs like Zoom, are critically After being Executive
be cancelled. Fortunately, the
important. ‘The Country Woman’ Representative to the Cultural
photography and literary works
is another means of maintaining Committee, an application to
sections, which were submitted
our relationships, and our sanity, continue, as a Committee member,
prior to the pandemic restrictions,
through this viral outbreak. became inevitable. Accepting the
were able to be judged. The standard
Chairperson’s role is a privilege,
For her leadership, all- of entries was again pleasing and
a challenge and a pleasure. With
encompassing love of life and the Cultural Books1 were absolutely
your support, we can explore the
genuinely authentic, iconic sense outstanding. The judge had great
fascinating facets of our national
of humour, I wish to thank, Lynne difficulty separating the winning
culture, while having a great deal of
Dunn for the past three years entries; only the narrowest of
fun too.
she has served as Committee margins existed between them.
Chairperson. My gratitude to As these books catalogue cultural Eva Campbell,
Yvonne Davis and Alison McKenzie endeavours, they indicate that there Chairperson
for their willingness to continue are some truly amazing activities
Show Catering
The new Committee is as follows: Buck, Alison Christie and Helen meet again until early next year to
Kae Anforth, Tracey Bonfante, Pegler, for their fantastic efforts plan for the 2021 Royal Easter Show.
Margaret Breust, Judy Buist, Julie over the past few years. We
We thank those of you who had
Deer, Alison Fiddy, Merrie Hunt, especially thank Carol Vincent who
cooked for the promotions table
Lyn Jacobsen, Jenny Le Gros, Cheryl has been on the Committee for
and who have been able to sell
Mayberry, Donna Robertson, Lynne many years and was most recently
some of your cakes and jams. We
White and myself, a total of 13. We the Chairman. Carol’s husband
are grateful for the donations that
can have up to 17 so would be grateful Tom has also been a familiar face at
have been sent to the Committee. I
if a few more members would the Tea Room doing a sterling job
made up a number of hampers for
consider joining this Committee. behind the scenes. There is nothing
Mother’s Day and these made a few
Whilst we work hard at the Show much this pair don’t know about
hundred dollars which was very
Tea Room, we do have a lot of fun the running of the CWA Tea Room
pleasing.
and there is good camaraderie. We and we thank both of them for their
are a tight band! enormous contribution to CWA. Rowena Casey,
We thank those who have retired: We will be holding our AGM via Chairperson
Carol Vincent, Zara White, Lynette Zoom on 1st July and will then not
16 June 2020 The Country WomanWinning Short Story
A Knock at the Door chattering. raising money for their organisation
by selling home-baked scones; a
By Faye Owner; Bellingen Branch Half an hour later, it’s still there, and
very persistent salesman trying to
I am pondering if there’s anything I
I’m barely awake, and thinking persuade me to install more solar
can do, when I hear another knock
about getting out of bed, when I panels and a storage system; a pizza
on the door, accompanied by an
hear a loud knock at the door, and delivery guy who has come to the
anxious enquiry, “Hello? Is anyone
a deep, official-sounding voice wrong address; two fellow members
home?”. A slim, tanned, fit-looking
calling, “Hello? Anyone home?” of my CWA branch wanting to
young woman in a stylish designer
discuss (over tea and the scones I
“Hang on—I’m coming”, I reply, jogging outfit and running shoes,
just bought) our upcoming street
pulling on my gown and slippers. is nervously pacing the path,
stall; and two tearful youngsters
I glance, in passing, at the clock. clutching a birdcage and a fish-
looking for a lost terrier.
Six a.m.! Someone’s got to be landing net. My dear neighbour has
kidding! Two earnest young police shown her the location of her pet, Finally, just as I’m hoping I might
constables are on the doorstep, one and she seeks my permission to try at last get a break, my neighbour’s
brandishing a pen and notebook. to lure it back into the cage. Luckily, son returns with the sugar his
They apologise for the early visit, the little creature is very tame and mother had borrowed this morning.
but explain that a house across the extremely hungry. In no time it has “Looks like we’re in for a corker of
street has been broken into some flown down to the cage, clambered a storm”, he remarks, inspecting a
time last night. Have I seen or heard inside, and is munching away at darkening sky. Sure enough, within
anything suspicious during the its food bowl. A very happy and twenty minutes, the heavens open
early hours? I have not. They depart relieved owner bears it away, and I and deposit a deluge, accompanied
and head next door. close the door yet again. by roaring winds. The temperature
drops by at least ten degrees, and I
It’s not worth returning to bed, The phone rings. I am in the middle
am absolutely ecstatic! I am utterly
so I make an early breakfast. I’m of a pleasant conversation with
exhausted and longing for an
just clearing the table when I hear my youngest daughter when, to
uninterrupted nanny nap. Surely no
another knock at the door, and a my intense annoyance, there is
1 fool would venture out in this!
faint voice asks, another knock on the door, and the
usual “Hello? Is anyone home?” I I sigh contentedly as I stretch
“Hello? Is anyone home?” A frail, out on the sofa, and am blissfully
promise to ring my daughter back
elderly man with wild, uncombed drifting off to sleep when I hear
shortly. Two pink-cheeked, clean-
hair’ clad in striped pyjamas and it! Above the howl of the storm,
shaven suits, wearing Harry Potter
well worn felt slippers, is standing a knock on the door—and a voice
spectacles and clutching pamphlets
outside, gazing about uncertainly. yelling “Hello? Is anyone home?” In
and small books, try to convert me
In a quivery voice, he demands a cup sheer disbelief I get up and stagger
to their select brand of Christianity,
of tea. And the morning newspaper. down the hall. It must be important
and, with a fixed smile, I try to
And a bowl of porridge with honey for someone to be out in such
dissuade them politely as possible—
and a dusting of cinnamon. Before violent weather. The gale almost
no easy task. They eventually give
I can think of a suitable reply, a car knocks me off my feet as I open the
up and I am able to call my daughter
pulls up at the gate and a flustered, door, and I am drenched as the rain
back.
embarrassed young woman rushes drives in almost horizontally. But
up the path. She gently ushers the By now it is almost lunchtime
no-one is there! I am furious! What
old fellow out, firing apologies over and my usual daily routine has
moron would pull pranks at a time
her shoulder, and quickly drives off. been thoroughly shattered. I am
like this? I give voice to a few choice
just getting organised when I am
What a novel start to my day! But expletives, knowing the downpour
summoned again. Knock! Knock!
I’ve hardly sat down when the door will drown out my words.
“Hello? Is anyone home?” It’s a
reverberates again, and a familiar The hall carpet is sodden and I will
couple of enthusiastic volunteers
voice calls, “Yoo-hoo! Hello! Are you have to fetch the wet-vac. I am still
seeking money for the Red Shield
up yet?” seething when suddenly the door-
Appeal, I fossick in my purse for a
It’s my neighbour, wanting to suitable donation, and they’re soon knock sounds again—but from the
borrow a cup of sugar. She can’t get on their way. sunroom! A raucous voice yells,
to the shops until her son returns “Hello? Is anyone home?”
The disruptions continue unabated
with the car. I happily oblige. As she My son’s smart-arse parrot has
all afternoon—a hopeful Greens
leaves, she tells me she saw a white added to his already extensive
candidate seeking votes in the
budgerigar fly into the magnolia repertoire!
upcoming election; a trio of noisy
tree in my front yard. I can hear it
small girls in Brownie uniforms
The Country Woman June 2020 17You can also read
