View club ends after 37 years

Woy Woy View Club has come to an end after 37 years on the Peninsula, following its inability to elect a new committee.

The club held its last meeting on December 12 at Everglades Country Club, Woy Woy, to celebrate its service to the community.

The Smith Family first established View Clubs in Australia in 1960 for the purpose of promoting the Voice, Interest and Education of Women (VIEW).

In its 37 years on the Peninsula, the Woy Woy View Club has raised over $57,000 for the Smith Family through its fundraising efforts.

Outgoing club secretary Ms Laurel Pike said she was deeply saddened to see the end of the Woy Woy club.

"It is such a shame that we had to finish up after so long on the Peninsula," Ms Pike said.

"No one was willing to take on a committee role, which is understandable when the majority of members are well into their 70s."

The club had met once a month at Woy Woy Leagues Club over a meal to exchange ideas and enjoy the company of other women.

The club also organised monthly guest speakers, tours, parties and coffee mornings for its members.

"Everyone is sad to see the club go," Ms Pike said.

"Thankfully the local Endeavour View Club has invited around 30 former Woy Woy members to join their club.

"They have made us feel very welcome."

Ms Pike said the club's last meeting at Everglades brought a tear to her eye.

"At the conclusion of the luncheon, several women began to sing the old World War I song 'We'll Meet Again' by Vera Lynn," Ms Pike said.

"Everybody started to join in and by the end of the song there was not a dry eye in the room.

"I wish all members of the Woy Woy View Club well in the future and hope they can still continue to promote the interests of women in their own individual way."

Clare Graham, 20 Dec 2007