Seniors celebrate 25 years

Ettalong Senior Citizens Club played host to 160 people for its 25th annual Mothers Day Lunch on Sunday, May 16.

Community members involved with the club's 25-year history attended the function to pay tribute to its work for the Ettalong community.

Attending the day was Mr Don Leggett, who was Gosford mayor at the opening of the centre, as was Merle Davies, the first coordinator of the centre.

Several founding members also attended.

Mary Evans, one of the founding members, travelled from Wollongong especially for the luncheon.

Ken Odgers and Elsie Cashman who have both been involved as members and volunteers since the opening of the club in 1979 were also there to help celebrate.

Mary Evans and Ken Odgers cut the 25th Anniversary Mothers Day cake and special tribute was paid to Elsie Cashman.

Now retired from volunteer work, over the years Ms Cashman had worked as a kitchen volunteer, desk helper, night or weekend "security officer", opening and closing the centre as needed.

She has been a keen exhibitor of arts and crafts and cooked hundreds of jars of pickles and relish.

The centre's aide, Ann Blythe, presented Ms Cashman with the plaque from Gosford Council for her dedication to volunteering.

Her name was placed on the honour roll and she was made a life member of the club.

Rose Kinney, who has been involved in organising the luncheon for 23 years, in conjunction with a group of dedicated volunteers, organised this year's lunch.

She served a traditional home-style meal of soup, roast lamb, and bread and butter pudding and Pavlova for the guests.

She said many volunteers had participated in preparing and providing the lunches over the years.

The 25th anniversary lunch was a special day for them to take pride in their contribution.

"They just enjoy giving something to the community and being involved, and I only have words of praise for the wonderful effort of this energetic group of people who have worked alongside me for many years."

Gosford Choir entertained the guests after lunch with performances of "Rose of Tralee", "Moon River" and "Eidleweiss";

The luncheon was given to honour mothers who have raised their children and looked after many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Press release, May 31 Liz McMinn, Ettalong Seniors Centre