We sit together, Charleigh, Sam and I savouring a cup of coffee in the late summer afternoon, chatting, as friends do and putting the world to rights.

‘You’re still a member of CWA?’ asks Charleigh.

‘Oh yes’, I say, it’s really a big part of my life

And I do enjoy being able to move “outside the square:.

‘How do you mean’, says Sam, as he comfortably settles himself, tell us a bit about being a member of CWA.

And my mind goes blank as it always does when anyone asks me that question!

So, I think, begin at the beginning and make it short but, interesting and to the point.

‘Well’, I say, it’s like this:

We have two regular meetings each month, first business, second social/craft.

There are the basics of our branch and our activities are decided at these meetings.

‘How many members?’ asks Charleigh. ‘31’ I say. Ten regular attenders and the rest are sleeping members, but they rise to the occasion when we ask them.

We are involved in community affairs, schools and other branches, group meetings and AGMs, which move our interest further afield.

‘What about the younger generation?’ asks Sam. ‘Plenty of contact there,’ I say.

We attend five school presentation nights to award certificates, International Day, where the students learn about the Country of Study (Nepal) and Talk Fest.

‘How about social or special events,’ asks Sam. ‘Yes indeed,’ I say. We do our share of catering and take part in various events, Study of Country and national days as well as birthdays.

‘What about raising funds and spending them,’ asks Sam. We have fundraisers in raffles, catering, trading tables, donations and room hire (please note!).

We send money to state office and group level, grants and awards and donations in times of drought, flood and fire. We send children’s knitted garments to Anglicare, Vinnies, Salvos and hospitals.

I might not have told you the most important point and that is caring, sharing and lasting friendships we all enjoy. I settle down to my coffee and Charleigh and Sam tuck into their...budgie seed!

Yass branch meets in Banjo Paterson Park 10am, first and third Thursdays of the month.

Contributed by Joyce, Yass CWA president.

Some 30 Yass Probus members and friends have just returned from a memorable four day trip to the Beechworth/Bright area. The weather and the autumn colours were great.

The group enjoyed escorted tours and visits to an apple orchard, a cheese factory and a winery, plus a lunch cruise on Lake Mulwala (pictured) and an unforgettable breakfast at ‘Moments and Memories Tearoom’.

Probus has more outings planned for the rest of this year.

We meet at the Soldiers Club on the third Thursday each month except January – all welcome.