resford News G
The
News of the communities of the Paterson and Allyn River Valleys
July 2012
RSL sub-branch Ladies Auxiliary recieving a Certificate of Thanks In Appreciation of 66 Years of Service. Presented to Past Members of Gresford RSL Women’s Auxiliary. In the pictue L to R: Verna Wells, Christine Richardson, Marion Green, Georgeina Richardson, Val Webeck, Garth Carlson, Rita Chick, Denise Carlson, Margo Capp and John Price
End of an Era at Gresford N
early 66 years have passed since an interested group of WWI and WWII veterans wives and widows started talking of the idea of forming an RSL sub-branch Ladies Auxiliary Club in Gresford and the surrounding district. The Ladies Auxiliary eventually started on 21 February 1946. “Now with many of the members approaching, or over 90 years of age, the ability of raising funds is no longer a reality.” stated Denise Carlson the present auxiliaries secretary. In a special meeting held on the 16th February of this year the group, after long deliberation, with each member having their say, made the decision to call it a day. Present to answer any questions that arose about the League were RSL president Garth Carlson and treasurer David Crouch. Also present were Rita Chick (past secretary, 25yrs), Gladys Wood (Treasurer, 18yrs), Verna Wells, Georgina Richardson and Val Webeck. Margot Capp, President (32yrs) said that in 1953 for the first ANZAC Day community luncheon the ladies made sandwiches and served beer. “The men were all so impressed that we continued the tradition to this day. A few other ideas were tried such as cooking a suckling pig, but this proved to be too much trouble so we went on to cook chickens and turkeys.” At about this time the men of the Gresford RSL numbered nearly 130. “The peak of the RSL sub-branch Ladies Auxiliary Club was the hosting of the annual winter ball with up to 200 people attending, Many balls, debutante and return debutante balls were to follow. Supper would be included with up to three sittings needed in the supper room to accommodate the guests who came from near and far.” The RSL constitution states that the Ladies Auxiliary must be a fundraising arm of the sub-branch, for the benefit of State Branch, and cannot remain in any other form such as a social or friendship club. Thus an era of functions and fundraising in association with the generous people of Gresford and district communities comes to a sad end. “We will always be indebted to those who helped and participated with us along our fruitful journey.”
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