The Bookham Berremangra Red Cross Branch celebrated its 80th anniversary on Thursday, September 19.
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Held at Bookham War Memorial Hall, branch members enjoyed a high tea with entertainment by Maisie's Choir and bush poet champion Robyn Sykes.
The anniversary was also an opportunity to recognise members who had been with the branch for ten or more years.
Helen Shannon received a brooch and parchment for 70 years of service.
The late Judy Armour, who sadly passed away earlier this year, was recognised with a gilt rosette for 60 years of service.
Barbara Shannon accepted a laurel wreath for 50 years of service.
Ellen Robinson received the twenty-year bar and ten-year badge.
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Lou Lou Julian, Alison Reece, Emma Cox, Barbara Folkhard, Ellen Robinson, Margot Shannon, Natalie Reeves and Faye Southwell also received ten-year badges.
Branch treasurer and historian Lesley Cox had compiled the branch's history in 1999 for the 60th anniversary. She shared a few of the stories from the early days.
"On September 19, 1939, there was a meeting to gauge interest in forming an Australian Red Cross branch at Bookham," Ms Cox said.
"It was held in the billiard room at Bogolong Station, home of Mr and Mrs Richard Julian. 26 people attended."
Mrs AJH Shannon (grandmother of Margaret Hyles, James Shannon, Peter Shannon and Anne Sims) was elected as foundation president; Miss Emily Armour (Ms Cox's aunt) was elected as foundation secretary; and Mrs May Bonnette was elected as foundation treasurer.
Ms Cox and her mother followed in the footsteps of Miss Emily Armour, sharing the role of branch treasurer since 1960.
"Mrs Julian kindly offered Bogolong billiard room for monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month," Ms Cox said.
"Mrs Julian was to provide tea, sugar and milk; everyone was to bring a plate of eats and their own cup and saucer. Six pence would be charged for afternoon tea."
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The branch hit the ground running and held a produce stall with a lamb for raffle at a Yass Hospital fundraiser on October 21, 1939. They raised 40 pounds which funded first aid classes.
"The Bookham Berremangara branch still has active members today who are descendants from founding members and the 1939 executive," Ms Cox said.
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Branch president Noeleen Hazell said, "everyone should feel very proud of our branch."
"Especially for our community service: our annual Linton Village lunch, monthly visits to Warmington lodge, Meals on Wheels, giving blood and we even have members in the emergency service," Mrs Hazell said.
"We now have 40 members, but an average attendance of only eight.
"Hopefully our younger members will continue and celebrate the centenary on September 19, 2039," Mrs Hazell said.
The hall was packed on Thursday and extra seats had to be found for guests arriving late.
Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey, councillors Mike Reid and Geoff Frost attended the anniversary.
A special cake was cut by member of 70-years Helen Shannon, branch patron June Stevens and Cr Abbey.
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