The Skilbeck family will again be hosting a morning tea in the garden at Plaistow Homestead at Joyces Creek to raise funds for Cancer Council this Saturday May 23.
This year marks the 29th year the local family has supported the annual Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser.
Originally it began as an intimate event in the lounge room of the heritage listed 1860s homestead, but in the years since it has grown into a much larger community celebration in the gardens around the homestead.
2026 will see four generations of the Skilbeck family working across the morning, Lilian and Peter being general dogs bodies, son Marcus looking after the fires and keeping the water hot, granddaughters Madison and Poppie playing with flour and water, and seven month old great granddaughter Isabelle keeping an eye on them all!
Lilian and Peter said they will once again be supported by friends and relatives pouring fresh brewed tea and coffee, and delivering scones both jam and creamed and savoury to the guests.
“Every family can talk about members or friends who have experienced one or more of the various forms of cancer. We can all relate to people who have died from cancer, but as time goes on we can relate stories of those who have recovered,” Lilian said.
“The newsletters from Cancer Council regularly report on the cancer journeys of survivors with many of the stories being positive stories detailing the
results of research and new treatments funded by the generous donations of gatherings like this,” she said.
“The only funding Cancer Council receive is from donations and events. They use the donated funds to support research into the hows, whys and treatment of cancers, to fund nurse on call, financial supplements, the wig bank and respite holidays. Every cent raised at Plaistow is given to Cancer Council to support this work,” Peter said.
This year will be a little special as the Skilbeck family will be using the large Andrews double oven stove again following her (yes it is a female) total restoration by The 1910 Ironworks in New South Wales. Check out their Facebook page for a sneak peek at the restoration.
The stove was made in Geelong around the mid 1880s and originally used in a hotel kitchen in Beaufort. The stove has been in use at Plaistow since 1984.
The fundraiser will once again be complemented by a stall of plants from the lovely Beth Higgins, Sue Oldfield’s natural fibre knitting creations and entertainment by Platform Souls band from Maldon. There will once again be a mega raffle and also a raffle for a trailer of dry Strathlea firewood.
The event runs from 10am to 12.30pm.
Plaistow Homestead is located at 324 Rodborough Rd Joyces Creek. Follow the flags from the Pyrenees Highway Rodborough Road corner.
Entry by donation at the garden gate.
Parking is available on the drive or in the front paddock. Ask the attendants to assist with accessible parking.
Volunteers are most welcome contact 0419 884 710 or email plaistow@bigpond.com if you’d like to assist.