The town of Esk, population 1641, might be tiny by metropolitan standards, however, there is nothing tiny about the activities of their branch of the Country Women’s Association which celebrated its centenary on Saturday 21^st October at a gala dinner event at the Somerset Civic Centre in Esk.  At its CWA Heap Street Headquarters, members have been meeting monthly for all these years, catering to a community, creating craft, fostering companionship, conviviality and that cornerstone of CWA legends, uncomplicated cooking, though the most magnificently decorated birthday cake placed prominently at the foot of stage was certainly anything but effortless.

Following a cheerful meet and greet around canapes and complimentary drinks, patrons and guests made their way to their places in this exquisitely bedecked auditorium, complete with inventive table centre pieces of vintage repurposed cups and saucers.  Subsequent to The Choir’s singing of the Australian Anthem, the CWA’s Creed, Rev. Loretta’s delivery of Grace, and a warm welcome by emcee Bruce McConnel, to some delightful ambient piano music by Jenny Ballinger, all settled back to feast on a delicious two course dinner catered for by the Toogoolawah Show Society’s Vern Doyle.

With first course finished it was on with the entertainment as members of the Esk Community Choir prepared to transport the expectant audience on a journey through the decades which have framed this CWA Centenary.  Ragtime songs from the 1920s, sentimental sounds of the war years through the timeless tunes of ‘song and dance’; 1950s, ‘60s and Broadway to the upbeat sounds of Aretha Franklin and memorable songs from musical theatre were the backdrops for some sassy, some very sweet, some downright cheeky paragons of fashion who paraded the styles of the times, all to the impeccable accompaniment by Alexis at the piano.

A delicious dessert followed these inspired performances by choir members and the drawing of some amazing raffle prizes, all interspersed with meaningful words of appreciation by dignitaries including Hon. Shayne Neumann and Mayor Graeme Lehmann.  Then who better than CWA President and dedicated 60-year member, Estelle Drynan, to deliver a walk through the rich history of the Esk CWA and acknowledge those wonderful women who have kept this organization going gangbusters into the 21^st century?

By: Sue Walker