Stuck in the lift

Umina Beach Country Women's Association (CWA) president Mrs Beryl Finch and publicity officer Mrs Clare Wren were to receive the Premier’s Awards in The Year of The Volunteers.

Some of our group moved to the auditorium.

Seven of us decided to take the lift.

This however was a bad choice.

Together with eight other guests, we were trapped in the lift for 40 minutes, between the ground and the first floor.

First there was laughter and much pushing of buttons.

Finally the alarm button was given a try.

But nothing happened. There was only complete silence from outside.

A finger was then placed on the alarm button and kept there.

After what seemed like hours, frantic signals came from outside the glass windows: "Take your finger off the alarm bell".

Great, action at last.

But no, complete silence again.

Margaret, our Umina Beach Treasurer, then used her mobile to call the clubs office.

The answer she received was that they were trying to get someone.

Very reassuring.

A gentleman suffering from Parkinson’s problems was shaking badly, leaning bravely on his cane.

Margaret, who was just getting over a severe illness, was showing signs of gracefully sliding to the floor.

A third lady was in need of more air when more signals came from outside,

I must say this was after about 20 minutes or so.

Ten fingers were raised, which we presumed meant another 10 minutes.

Not good!

Judy, one of our CWA ladies, a very resourceful "Chick with Attitude" moved to the window, patted her heart, raised three fingers and gave a great imitation of slumping to the floor.

This seemed to produce action.

We could hear male voices and much hammering.

Finally, two trusty crowbars could be seen in the door jam.

Brute force was used to force the doors apart.

In jumped a strong man.

Margaret, looking like a beloved limp rag doll, was handed down to an ambulance officer.

The doors closed again!

There were groans from all of us, but all was well.

The doors were forced open again.

A plank of wood was wedged between the doors and one by one we were lifted out.

Glasses of water were passed around - a brandy would have been more appreciated!

Meanwhile, the concert had gone merrily on its way without us.

The Bell’s group of singers and dancers were just finishing off their Irish number, happily unaware of the outside drama, when we entered.

The 15 of us were found seats here and there and, as they say, "The band played on".

When the luncheon was over, the day’s official program began.

Ms Trish Moran, the newly chosen Labour Candidate for Robertson, opened the proceedings.

The Minister for Agriculture, Land and Water Conservation, Mr Richard Amory, was introduced and spoke a few well-chosen words.

Then our lovely hostess, Marie Andrews, welcomed us in her usual charming and gracious manner.

In turn we were called to the stage and presented with a very fine framed certificate, signed by the Premier, Mr Bob Carr.

We also received a very distinctive medal featuring the Australian Coat of Arms.

The ordeal of the time in the lift was forgotten.

I know I, and I’m sure Beryl, felt very proud to have been chosen as a member of the CWA to receive this Volunteer Award.

I shall wear my medal with gratitude and humility.

I accept it on behalf of hundreds of "unsung" volunteers out there in the community, who do so much without any recognition.

Clare Wren, Umina Beach CWA