THE Myall Community Art and Craft Centre (MCACC) committee held a lavish thank-you high tea for members and volunteers on Saturday, 2 May.
Held at the centre in Tea Gardens, preparations for the event spanned days.
Around 50 members were thanked, many of them directly involved with either the running or manning of the Centre’s shop, which also doubles as Tea Gardens’ tourist information centre, located behind the MidCoast Council customer service office.
MCACC Treasurer Kerrie Croaker, the event’s main co-ordinator, was very pleased to see such a large turnout, especially given the effort put into it by the Committee.
“Not often do we get all members in one room, as different classes are held throughout the week, including Thursday evenings now,” Kerrie told NOTA.
“This high tea was years ago conceived to thank the volunteers who man the shop and make items that are sold there, but grew to be a thank-you for all members, especially since the end of COVID.”
Kerrie said the Centre has welcomed many new members this year.
“The Thursday evening session has drawn many in,” she said.
“Mosaics are the most popular in the evenings, and also soft crafts during the day.”
The Centre has a long and storied history, beginning in a shed in Hawks Nest and moving around the twin towns several times before ending up where it is today.
Elsa Jones, a member for 25 continuous years, has seen a lot of changes.
From humble beginnings the Centre now houses a multitude of arts and crafts activities, including ceramics, woodwork, spinning and weaving, quilting and patchwork, picture framing, braided rug making, mosaics, crochet, leatherwork and pottery.
“This is a thank-you from the Committee to all members who contribute to the shop and help around the Centre,” Elsa said.
“They open and close, sort the business side of things, act as welfare and safety officers.”
More than half the room present have offered their items in the shop for sale, while a similar number also volunteer regularly in the shop.
“Thanks to all volunteers in whatever area you help us out,” MCACC President Rachael Lind said to all present.
By Thomas O’KEEFE
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