Grafton VIEW Club
About
Grafton VIEW Club was formed in 1967.
Currently, the Club sponsors two Smith Family Learning for Life students and is actively involved in fundraising activities to raise donations for The Smith Family programs.
We are always open to new members, so please get in touch today and come and see what it's all about.
Location
- When: Meeting Day on the 4th Tuesday each month
- Time: At 10.30am
- Where: Grafton District Services Club
- Address:105-107 Mary Street, GRAFTON NSW 2460
- Location on Google Maps
Contact
Helen on 02 6642 3867
Email: grafton.viewclub@gmail.com
Coming Events 2024
Thursday 23rd May: The next mid-month outing will a morning tea, including scones, jam, and cream, at the Clocktower at 10am.
Sunday 19th May: a table for VIEW has been reserved at the Criterion Theatre for 2pm to see Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Tickets at Buckleys.
Tuesday 28th May: The next monthly meeting will be commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton. Guest speaker will be Sharon Cannon, who will speak about genealogy. Why not join us, and bring along your friends! That way, disadvantaged children will be helped throughout their entire education.
Please phone Vorna at 66424719 no later than the Friday before the meeting for catering purposes. See you there!
Club News
Meet Our 2024 Committee
Annual General Meeting 2024
A successful AGM resulted in our new committee Members being inducted for 2024. They are, President-Faye, Vice President-Pat, Treasurer-Helen C, Assistant Treasurer- Norma, Secretary-Helen E, Assistant Secretary-Vorna, Program Officers-Sandra and Jeanette, Publicity-Jeanette, and Lavendar Lady-Shirley.A 10 years badge and certificate were presented to Helen A. Then, Past President, Merrelle, was presented with a farewell gift, before she leaves Grafton. Many thanks, Merrelle for a wonderful job you have done as President of Grafton VIEW Club. Both Lucky Door and raffle went to the lucky Helen A.
The March guest speaker will be Geoff Crispin of Whiteman Creek Pottery. He will be bringing samples of his pottery with a PowerPoint Presentation, and there will be a trading table at the March meeting. The mid-month outing will be held at Toast, for morning tea on Wednesday, 20th March at 10am.
The next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, 26th March, commencing at 10.30am at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton. All are welcome, so come along and bring your friends. Please phone Vorna at 66424719, no later than the Friday before the meeting, for catering purposes.
Wraps with Love in April 2024
Wraps with Love in April 2024
The guest speaker for April was Maree Burrows, assisted by nephew, Larry. Maree spoke of how Wraps with Love began. She told a story about Sonia Gidley King, a descendant of Philip Gidley King, third Governor of NSW. Sonia had been unwell in hospital with cancer. She had heard about people with no food or water, and thought about how these people could be made warm. She had a collection of wool at home, which she thought could be knitted into squares and joined together to make warm wraps. With this in mind, she said a prayer, Dear Lord if you get me through this, I’ll do something special.
So, while recovering, she gathered friends to make rugs two metres long, by one metre wide. And so began the voluntary organisation of Wraps with Love Inc., which now has thousands of contributors from around Australia. The Grafton knitters are part of this, and Maree’s nephew helps with the packing and distributing of rugs to where they are needed in Australia and many other countries around the world. The shipping is paid for by large organisations like Red Cross, UNECEF etc. Sonia passed away at the age of 84 years, and her legacy lives on. The knitted blankets warm the heart and soul of those who give, and those who receive.
The Raffle Prizes at the April meeting were won by Faye S. and Joy F, and the Lucky Door Prize also went to the lucky Joy F.
April 2024 Outing
April 2024 Outing
Another adventure for Members who enjoyed a delightful outing to Geoff Crispin’s studio at Whiteman Creek. Geoff, a renowned potter with exhibitions in various Australian museums, graciously guided the group around his farm, showcasing colourful hens and roosters in a dedicated pen and a sprawling vegetable garden nearby. The studio, overlooking acres of lush land teeming with diverse wildlife, was fascinating.
Geoff provided insights into his craft, leading our group through his workspace to view the impressive kiln he constructed himself. He explained the intricacies of firing pottery, discussing temperature requirements, and stacking techniques. Adjacent to the main kiln was a slightly smaller one, now in regular use. The studio also housed exquisite porcelain and pottery awaiting firing, while Geoff's home displayed finished pieces destined for museums.
The front veranda featured a selection of Geoff's pottery for sale, with many pieces eagerly purchased at bargain prices. Grateful for the opportunity to witness Geoff's 55 years of dedication to his craft, our Members bid farewell and returned to Junction Hill for coffee, followed by lunch at the Blue Goose Hotel.
Looking ahead, the next monthly meeting of the is scheduled for Tuesday, April 23rd, at the Grafton District Services Club on Mary Street, starting at 10:30 am. The guest speaker, Marie Burrows, will enlighten attendees on Wraps with Love, offering insights into supporting the disadvantaged. All are welcome to attend, and guests are encouraged, bring friends and ultimately help disadvantaged children. For catering purposes, kindly RSVP to Vorna at 66424719 by the Friday preceding the meeting.
March 2024 Meeting
March 2024 Meeting
Our March guest speaker was Geoff Crispin. Through a powerful screen presentation, Geoff took us on a journey to explore the various aspects of his work in the development of ceramics over the last 50 years. He shared his expertise from the Whiteman Creek studio to places like the Tiwi Islands, Jamaica, Oman, Ethiopia, Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Ernabella in Central Australia, and West Timor. A selection of Geoff’s Whiteman Creek Pottery is on display at various museums.
Members are looking forward to our April outing which will be to Geoff Crispin’s studio at Whiteman Creek to take a rare glimpse into the making of Whiteman Creek Pottery as part of the Plunge Art and Cultural Festival, 2024, followed by lunch at the Blue Goose.
Photo of Geoff accepting a Certificate of Appreciation and small gift.
March 2024 Outing to Toast
March 2024 Outing to Toast
Members met at the café Toast, in Grafton for a mid-month outing, where we indulged in delicious food, delightful company, and catch up on all the latest news.
We would love to see more ladies join us on these outings so please contact Vorna on 6642 4719 for details.
February 2024 Outing to the Brewhouse
February 2024 Outing to the Brewhouse
February social outing for our Club was held at the Brewhouse; a great opportunity for friends to catch up over a cuppa and goodies.
New Banner for Grafton 2024
New Banner for Grafton 2024
The next monthly meeting will the AGM, to be held on Tuesday, 27th February, 2024. All are welcome to come along and bring your friends to see what a difference VIEW can make. Please phone 66424719 no later than the Friday before the meeting, for catering purposes.
The mid-month social outing will be at the Brewhouse for morning tea, on the 21st February at 10am.
Grafton VIEW says Thank you
Grafton VIEW says Thank you
Members extended a big thank you for the continued support from many generous people in the Clarence Valley during 2023. This help has given children experiencing disadvantage the essentials they need to fit in, build confidence and succeed at school.
The funds raised support our sponsored children in the Learning for Life Program. We have also purchased a number of various gift packages for these children, including reading and numeracy packs, for both primary and secondary students, as well as support for Indigenous and nurturing programs.
Members and businesses can be assured that their generous donations have helped purchase these programs for the disadvantaged children, to give them the best chance in life.
This November meeting was the last for the year. The first meeting for 2024 will be Tuesday, February 27th, at the Grafton District Services Club Mary Street Grafton, commencing at 10.30am.
All are welcome. Please come along and bring your friends, and help support disadvantaged students throughout their entire education.
The next mid-month outing will be on Tuesday, January 23rd at Rest Point Hotel, Copmanhurst at midday.
For the next monthly meeting in February, please phone 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. Hope to see you there!
The photo shows a representative from the Grafton District Services Club receiving our Certificate of Appreciation.
A Royal Garden Party to Celebrate 56 Years
A Royal Garden Party to Celebrate 56 Years
Our 56th birthday was a Royal occasion, when Members hosted a Royal Garden Party Guests enjoyed a morning tea, followed by a lunch, including deserts, birthday cake and wonderful entertainment from the Conservatorium Choir. Much fun was had with many raffle prizes, tombolas, trading table and a lucky door prize.
Certificates were presented to Members for an outstanding 50 and 40 years of service to VIEW, while other Members received certificates for their outstanding contribution to Grafton Club. It was also wonderful to welcome two new Members, Maree and Caroline.
Celebrating Casino's Birthday in 2023
Celebrating Casino's Birthday in 2023
Recently, several of our members attended Casino VIEW Club’s birthday luncheon. It was such a thrill when our Vorna, won the prize for Best Dressed Lady. It was a fun day, enjoyed by all.
Grafton VIEW Celebrates 56 Years
Grafton VIEW Celebrates 56 Years
The guest speaker for the September meeting was Mark Poole, who is the Local Representative & Community Ambassador of North Coast NBN. Mark provided information about the NBN service & help that is available, especially for the aged & disadvantaged. He also spoke about internet scams & how to avoid them.
The Lucky Door Prizes went to Helen A & Muriel. The Raffle went to the lucky Helen A.
Grafton VIEW Club sponsors students, & the funds raised help support the life outcomes of these Australian children experiencing disadvantage, through the Learning for Life Program. Our help creates a better future for them through the power of education.
Now, please don’t forget to mark Friday, 3rd November on your calendar for the “Royal Garden Party” birthday theme. Remember, tickets are to be purchased no later than 20th October at The Hope Chest, Prince Street, $30 each. So, please come along to enjoy a fun-filled day. Everyone loves a birthday party!
Hope to see you there!
Grafton VIEW Club at Mad Hatters Tea Party
Grafton VIEW Club at Mad Hatters Tea Party
Grafton VIEW Club meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month, at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. Come along to enjoy a yummy lunch, then sit back & listen to a motivated guest speaker. At the same time, you will be helping disadvantaged students in the Learning for Life Program. For catering purposes, please phone Vorna at 66424719. Hope to see you there!
Grafton View Helps Learning for Life Program
Grafton View Helps Learning for Life Program
Grafton VIEW Club is actively seeking local ladies to join them for fun & friendship, whilst supporting children in need. VIEW Clubs are major supporters for The Smith Family’s Learning for Life Program. We are ladies lunching with a purpose. There are exciting activities planned throughout the year. So, whatever your age, we would love you to join us in helping disadvantaged families.
Lunch meetings are on the 4th Tuesday of each month at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. The next meeting will be Tuesday 26th September. You are invited to come along, enjoy yourself, & see what VIEW Club is all about. For catering purposes, please phone Vorna at 66424719 no later than the Friday before the meeting. Hope to see you there!
Invitation to VIEW
Invitation to VIEW
What is VIEW Club all about? you ask. VIEW stands for Voice, Interests and Education of Women. Grafton VIEW is on the lookout for new members in the area. It provides a place for women of all ages to connect with the community to enjoy social activities, and develop lasting friendships; all the while supporting the work of children’s education in the Learning for Life Program. This program provides students with financial, educational and personal support. This is crucial, particularly in the current economic climate.
Most people have been hit by the rising cost of living, be it power prices, food or petrol. However, these rises have had an even greater impact on those already doing it tough. Parents shouldn’t have to choose between putting dinner on the table or buying their child a uniform for school.
This is where VIEW steps in with the Learning for Life Program to help children experiencing disadvantage with their education. Hence, we are always looking for women of all backgrounds and ages to join us, and we look forward to welcoming new faces at our next monthly meeting. All you have to do is come along, enjoy a lovely meal and be entertained by a motivated guest speaker. There is also a mid-month social outing available.
The meetings are held on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 10.30 am. The February meeting is on Tuesday, 28th at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton. Please mark this on your calendar, as you are specially invited to come along, meet new friends & renew old acquaintances.
Please phone Vorna at 66 424719 no later than the Friday before the meeting for catering purposes. Hope to see you there!
Grafton Celebrates with Woolgoolga Evening in 2023
Grafton Celebrates with Woolgoolga Evening in 2023
Members visited the Woolgoolga Evening Club for their 30th Birthday Celebration. An enjoyable evening was had by all, with a lovely dinner and great entertainment.
The next monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday July 25th commencing at 10.30am. Please come along and bring your friends. For catering purposes please phone Vorna at 66424719 no later than the Friday before the meeting. Hope to see you there!
Learning About Chocolate In June 2023
Learning About Chocolate In June 2023
The guest speaker for the June monthly meeting was Dean Agic, a local Artisan Chocolatier, who spoke about all aspects of chocolate making, and the science of chocolate. The high-grade dark chocolate can aid with sleep and depression. The pleasure of sampling Dean’s beautiful handmade chocolates was balanced by the fact that chocolate is very good for you.
The guest speaker for July will be Jessica Smith, who is visiting from Dubai.
The next mid-month outing will be held at Schafer House at 10am on Thursday 27th July. The cost will be $10 for a lovely morning tea. All welcome!
June's raffle was won by Muriel, and the lucky door prize went to Kay.
Grafton VIEW Club Visits “The Wobbly Chook”
Grafton VIEW Club Visits “The Wobbly Chook”
Members recently enjoyed a midmonth outing with a bus trip to Yamba. Lunch was at The Wobbly Chook (the old Backpackers, now a boutique brewery). Everyone was made welcome by the friendly staff, and offered a great menu, which was thoroughly enjoyed and accompanied with healthy fruit smoothies.
After lunch, this eager group was off to check out the local shops, with the ice cream parlour first on the list for some. This happy group eventually boarded the bus back to Grafton, chattering all the way. A good time was had by all!
Why not join the next VIEW Club monthly meeting, which will be held on Tuesday 27th June at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton! The meeting commences at 10.30am. The guest speaker will be Dean Agic, who will talk about chocolate making. This local Artisan Chocolatier will offer a sampling of his beautiful homemade chocolates, and don’t worry, he said that chocolate is good for you. Everyone is welcome to join the VIEW Club meetings. Before you come, please phone Vorna on 66424719 for catering purposes.
Hope to see you there!
VIEW Connects with the Community
VIEW Connects with the Community
A child has dreams like any child and is determined to learn, but in some cases, poverty blocks the way. The teacher goes that extra mile, but a child in this position needs more. This just does not seem to add up in a country like ours! With access to targeted help this child can catch up at school & fulfil potentials with the Learning for Life Program. VIEW Club members can give children in this position the educational support they need to change their lives. How can you help? Just come along to the monthly meetings on the 4th Tuesday of each month. These meetings will always feature an enjoyable lunch & motivated guest speaker.
The guest speaker for the May monthly meeting was Kerry Little, manager of Connect You Too. She spoke about the services provided. They recently managed to get the community to 8,503 Specialist & GP appointments; 1166 hospital visits (day surgery drop off & pick up) & 8,229 social & shopping trips. There is also a Meals on Wheels service, providing welfare checks with a quick chat helping customers to see a friendly face.
The next mid-month outing will be a bus trip to Yamba on Thursday, 15th June. The bus leaves Market Square at 9am. Lunch will be at Wobbly Chook (old Back Packers) & return on the 2.45 bus back to Grafton.
The guest speaker for the June monthly meeting will be Dean Agic. Lucky ladies attending, you will cast aside the guilt of eating chocolates when you have the pleasure of sampling local Artisan Chocolatier Dean Agic’s beautiful handmade chocolates. You will be glad to know that dark chocolate is good for you.
Everyone is welcome to come and join the next VIEW Club meeting on Tuesday, 27th June, at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street Grafton, commencing at 10.30am. Please phone Vorna on 66424719 for catering purposes no later than the Friday before the meeting. Hope to see you here!