Forty members of Batemans Bay Garden Club attended the (postponed) September meeting on Thursday, October 4, while the much needed rain gently fell.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
On Friday, September 21, 24 club members enjoyed the coach trip to Floriade in Canberra. The day was clear and warm which showed the floral display at its best.
Members strolled through the grounds at their leisure and all agreed it was a very pleasant outing, thanking fellow member David Kemp for his efforts in organising the day.
All who went agreed the Floriade trip was worthwhile, even though the numbers were disappointing.
David, our trip planner, is working several alternatives for the club’s next outing.
In the interim the club has organised a picnic at Nelligen in the near future.
The club is also planning our Christmas dinner, which will be held in late November.
Our guest speaker this meeting was Ann McClintock, President of the Batemans Bay Hospital Auxiliary.
Ann gave a very interesting and informative talk on how the Auxiliary operates.
The 53 volunteer members of the Hospital Auxiliary are continually fund-raising to provide equipment and items for Batemans Bay Hospital that the Health Service budget doesn’t cover.
This year the volunteers have provided $58,000 to the Hospital and have invested 5600 hours of work.
Recently the Auxiliary has purchased a special trolley at a cost of $14,000.
Overall the Combined Auxiliaries of NSW have contributed $5.5 million to the state’s hospital system.
Hospitals provide a “wish list” to the Auxiliary and priorities are discussed before funds are allocated.
The Auxiliary also provides support to patients.
This may take many forms, from craft supplies/classes to toiletry bags (for people who have been admitted quickly).
At the moment they are planning a serenity garden for patients and families to have an area to relax.
Ann pointed out that all the money raised in Batemans Bay went to the Batemans Bay Hospital.
With that in mind Garden Club president Magda Smyth presented Ann with a cheque for $500 for the Auxiliary and thanked her for her talk.
Batemans Bay Garden Club will meet again on October 25 for the next monthly meeting at 2pm in the Anglican Church hall.
*************************
Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food and medicine for the soul. – Luther Burbank
*************************
