Social group celebrates 40 years

Bensville Ladies Social Group recently marked its 40th birthday.

The anniversary celebration was held at the home of Joyce and Ted Langford at Allawa Pde, Bensville.

The group gathered for its first meeting on September 18 in 1963, when those present were Mesdames Rimmer, Gilchrist, Seddon, Buckland, Gordon, McLaughrey, Lane, Williams, Bagshaw, Relf, and Wilson.

It was agreed to meet once a month at the Bensville Sea Scout hall and hold discussion groups, trips to local points of interest, card evenings, and birthday parties.

It is believed the proposal to form the group came from a suggestion made by Bensville women who used to catch the ferry from their local wharf on a weekly shopping day to Woy Woy.

The first president was Mrs Rimmer, the secretary Mrs Wilson and the treasurer Mrs Buckland.

Fees were two shillings and sixpence (25 cents), with another sixpence (five cents) each for tea and sugar funds.

Members came from Empire Bay and Daleys Point as well as Bensville.

In later-times Mrs Daisy Beattie was president for a number of years.

Although she resigned from office two years ago, she is still a member and was responsible during her presidency for inviting guest speakers.

The current president is Mrs Vera Hore who will be moving to Brisbane to be near her daughter.

Mrs Frances Duncombe has agreed to take her place.

Over the years, the group has made donations to charities including the ChildFlight helicopter service.

Members made an enlightening visit to its headquarters at Westmead.

There they saw a helicopter and its crew take off on an emergency flight to Bathurst to assist a newborn baby.

They were also provided with lunch by the Westmead staff.

The group is seeking new members from local areas to meet every first Tuesday of the month at members' houses.

Anyone interested should phone either 4369 3022 or 4369 3149.

Press release, August 18