The Rich River Quilters celebrated their 30th birthday with a lunch and party after their usual weekly meeting on Monday, July 8.
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Members gathered at Echuca Village Hall for their regular Monday sewing session, followed by a celebration of the last 30 years.
Over the years, they have crafted and donated more than 4200 items to the community, supporting initiatives and organisations such as the Biggest Morning Tea, Community Living & Respite Services, Glanville Aged Care, Girl Guides, and Wharprilla Lodge.
The Rich River Quilters also raised over $3000 for the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre, created a memorial quilt for the hospital, and a decorative hanging for the Echuca Police Station.
The hall was filled with party decorations and memories from their decades of work, including quilt art hung on the walls and a scrapbook with some of their proudest achievements.
The quilters enjoyed sandwiches, soups, fruit platters and cups of tea, as well as the intricate cake baked by member Heather Fullard.
Members brought a variety of quilts to discuss, including a unique piece by Colleen Wray.
“Sometimes I have several on the go,” she said.
“I bought this fabric (making up the scalloped edges) because I really loved it, then I worked all the other colours around it.
“The design I did myself ... trying to use all different textures and fabrics.”
Many locals donate fabric and sewing equipment to the group for the creation of quilts and items that can be given back to the community.
“For a lot of us, it’s just our time,” secretary Marika Szendore said.
“We’ve got the materials and things here, it’s just a matter of that time.”
The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 2pm at Echuca Village Hall, and always welcomes new members. To join, reach out to richriverquilters@gmail.com
Echuca Village Hall is located on the corner of Simmie and Mitchell Rds, Echuca Village 3564.