Members from the Country Women’s Association Beechworth CWA Branch had a final get together with a lunch last week to mark the shutdown of the 83-year-old branch.
The event held at the Hotel Nicholas on Friday drew present and past members.
Members from other CWA branches in the Northern Eastern CWA group - Barnawartha, Bright, Mansfield, Rosewhite, Wangaratta and Whorouly also travelled to join in.
Kathryn Chivers as the last Beechworth CWA member to hold the position of president said the tough decision to close the branch took around 12 months as the group explored ways to keep the doors open.
“The decision wasn’t made lightly,” she said.
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A past North Eastern CWA Group president Paula McGavin from Rosewhite CWA said Beechworth CWA members had been very active in their support for the community.
“They have made a great contribution to Beechworth and surrounding areas,” she said.
“That this is a sad day for the CWA Branch after 83 years.
“CWA does so much in taking care of women, men and families and people in crisis situations.
“We’re not just about making scones and ANZAC biscuits as we do a lot of valuable work for people in our communities."
Beechworth CWA life member Beryl Pope said in being part of CWA, she has been able to help people in all aspects of life such as for families and those impacted by natural disasters.
“It’s being able to help a little bit and give back to the community,” she said.
Ms Pope said she has made good friends over more than 20 years as a member.
“It’s very sad and disappointing that we couldn't keep going but it's a sign of the times,” she said.
Beechworth CWA’s Tess Lucas has been a member for 36 years.
With the Beechworth hold meetings through the day, Ms Lucas said a trial of night meetings and other alternatives considered didn't work to keep the CWA from folding.
“It’s sad but we're still proud when we look around the town and see things we've done for people,” she said.
Ms Lucas recalled getting to know ladies in Beechworth when she joined.
She said it helped overcome being a little isolated from living on a farm, as well as women supported each other in a variety of circumstances.
“When the CWA started, there were a lot of isolated country women and that was their social day,” she said.
“They used to wear hats gloves, high heel shoes and stockings and it was a real social event to go out.
“It was all very prim and proper, and we weren't allowed to put wine in trifles.”
With CWA having representation at all levels of government Ms Lucas said among the projects CWA established included baby health centres.
“They used to be the go before you had a nurse come around to the home,” she said.
North Eastern CWA Group president Hannah Robinson said without new members coming through made the viability of the Beechworth CWA Branch a challenge.
Ms Robinson said CWA is hopeful about the branch starting up again.
"The CWA is proud of the Beechworth Branch, and we want to maintain a presence in the area,” she said.
“Beechworth branch members have been amazing and have made a big impact in the community. “
