The Goldfields Quilters held their 30th anniversary celebration at the Castlemaine Golf Club on Sunday May 21.
A subcommittee of five current members from the group got together to start planning for the day at the beginning of the year. Two current members had gone through a lot of newsletters and minutes of meetings to find who had been on committees and names of members over the years. They estimate there has been approximately 180 members over the 30 years, currently there are 35 members.
Trying to contact past members from the past 30 years was difficult as 30 years ago very few members had email addresses or mobile phone numbers. The organisers contacted as many past and present members as they could and 40 came on the afternoon to enjoy the celebrations.
There was memorabilia for everyone to enjoy, including eight quilts on display, those being the First President Sandra Melen, current President Pattie Ritchie, the four Life Members Kay Smith, Lynn Jenkins, Margaret Mew and Sue Grimes, the Best of Show 2022 Brenda Bidgood and Corliss Searcey.
A raffle was also held with all products being sourced regionally. The tables were decorated with old sewing machines and autumn foliage along with vases of autumn foliage, the clubrooms looked spectacular.
Pattie welcomed everyone to the day and spoke about her quilting journey, what activities the group has been involved in and how much the group means to her and to all of the members.
Corliss spoke about how she came to move to Castlemaine and started ‘Threadbear’ Quilt Shop in Hargraves Street and how the Goldfields Quilters Group began. Corliss also showed those present her quilts she had made during her quilting journey.
Part of the formalities was the presentation of badges to the four Life Members Kay, Lynn, Margaret and Sue and their small quilts with the group’s badge on it. The girls were very honoured to be the first life members of the group.
An afternoon tea provided by the golf club was enjoyed and there was lots of reminiscing, friendships rekindled. Past and present members all together with the common denominator being quilting, such a wonderful afternoon had by all in attendance. To find out more about the group call Pattie on 0439 490 416.