Last Wednesday around 60 people were treated to a very special High Tea at the Canowindra CWA Hall to celebrate 50 years of Meals on Wheels in Canowindra. Sarah Cartwright from Cabonne Council welcomed Mr Andrew Gee MP, Councillors Cheryl Newsom and Jenny Weaver, past committee members and past and present recipients and volunteers. The guests enjoyed a delicious selection of chicken sandwiches, mini quiches, scones, caramel slice, cheesecake and meringues along with champagne, tea and coffee.
On the 15th March 1967 the Canowindra Meals on Wheels was registered and on the 9th October 1967 the first meals on wheels meal was delivered by Canowindra volunteers.
Today there are more that 190 Meals on Wheels services in NSW. 150,000 meals are delivered each day and 4.5 million each year. Meals on Wheels has 35,000 volunteers and 68% of meals are delivered in regional areas.
“Meals on Wheels is more than just a meal, it is a friendly face, a smile and a chat. This is why it is such an important community service,” said Sarah. Sarah went on to say “I would like to take this opportunity to thank past committee members and volunteers for all their hard work over the last 50 years.”
Mr Andrew Gee helped Sarah to hand out a long list of “Certificates of Appreciation” to members and past long serving volunteers. The awards went to Margaret Richardson – 48 years, Peggy Beath – 42 years, Bob Robson – 40 years, Shirley Robson – 40 years, Dawn Smith – 38 years, Beryl Rodrom – 38 years, Alice Robson – 35 years, Aileen Grant – 35 years, Beth Rue – 35 years, Norma Watt – 33 years, Gwen Landon – 30 years, Lorna Cassidy – 30 years, Ruth Watt – 28 years, Pam Byrnes – 22 years and Tess Ball – 22 years.