Celebrating 85 years

More than 70 invited guests and members celebrated the 85th anniversary of the Woy Woy Presbyterian Women's Association recently.

Association secretary Ms Margaret Ricciardone said the anniversary celebration was a great opportunity to remember the friendship and fellowship of members who have given up so much of their time and energy over the past 85 years.

"The association was originally formed in 1925 as the Woy Woy Ladies Guild and one of the groups earliest projects was to buy a gas service for the new gas lamps to replace old kerosene ones in the church.

"In 1964, the name was changed to the Woy Woy Presbyterian Women's Association, part of a state-wide network of Christian women supporting the church ministries through inter-church and community bodies.

"A few projects that the Women's Association support these days are letterbox lessons for country children who are unable to attend church Sunday school, providing much-needed items for missionaries overseas, supporting hostels and upgrading of other aged care facilities.

"The president of our PWA Barbara Firth welcomed guest speaker Ms Anne Ball, convener of the heritage committee.

"The aim of this committee is to gather memorabilia from the past and to preserve these items for future generations.

"These are now on display in Scots Presbyterian Church, Sydney, where people can see some very interesting items."

Press release, 31 May 2010 Margaret Ricciardone, Woy Woy Presbyterian Women's Association