Mrs Watcham gave a down-to-earth and informative report on the wider Red Cross community.

“There is so much going on and so many areas of need,” she said.

On the local level she made special mention of the afternoon tea with a Touch of Elegance held at Bev Hutchinson’s home ‘Macquarie Park’ as well as offering a sincere thank you to all members for a busy and successful year.

President Margaret Macarthur presented her annual report with a long list of involvement and achievements which included assistance with the primary school breakfast program, Meals on Wheels and the appeal for the Burma cyclone which was closely followed by the China earthquake appeal.

More volunteers are always needed to assist with the breakfast program.

Helpers do not need to be Red Cross members and offers of just one hour a fortnight from 8.30am to 9.30am would be warmly welcomed by Margaret on 6845 1636.

The more obvious Red Cross presence during the past year has been the Fresh Fruit Fridays and Super Soup days.

Mrs Macarthur said “the community has generously supported us”.

Judy King was thanked for her amazing effort with the Trauma Teddy program with more than 300 bears assembled and distributed.

Unfortunately Mrs King and her husband are moving soon which will leave a big gap in the branch.

The following members were elected to executive positions: president Margaret Macarthur, vice presidents Bev Hutchinson and Eve Kiss, secretary Anne A’Beckett and treasurer Soo Halliwell. Nell Allworth and Ann Donovan accepted to continue as patrons.