GREETINGS FROM MADELINE MASTERS FROM THE HAMILTON DIOCESE
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Here we are in the depths of winter, short days, frosts and fogs, but in spite of this Hamilton Diocesan branches are as active as ever. Many are making plans to raise funds for the youth attending World Youth Day in Sydney in 2008. The passage of the Cross and Icon through the Diocese was well attended and not only by the young. CWL branches have got right behind this and we are keen to see as many youth from our Diocese as possible attend World Youth Day.Â
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We had a successful conference in April. Tara D’Souza was our guest speaker on Church, Culture and Identity. She is a gifted speaker as anyone who attended the National Conference will attest. We have had two changes of personnel. Peg Cummins takes over from Barbara Wilkinson as WUCWO convenor and Graewyn O’Sullivan takes over from Moira Kilbride as secretary.Â
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In recognition of her many, many years of outstanding work for League, Council have decided to award Barbara Wilkinson Life Membership. Barbara has not been in the best of health lately, but as her health improves she is rearing to go again and will no doubt find many more projects to get her teeth into!Â
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In April, Terry Scott was awarded a Papal Knighthood. She is now a Dame of the Order of St Gregory. Another well deserved award for a woman who has given herself so willingly to CWL and the Hamilton Diocese. Hamilton CWL is blessed with so many wonderful women. Marge Roddick of Gisborne is our oldest member. She is 102 years old!! She said at her birthday celebration, she never found the time to get married before and doesn’t think she can be bothered now.Â
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Sadly we have lost a very special lady, Geraldine Scott. Geraldine was our first Diocesan President and held many positions in League including National President. She was another one you couldn’t hold down and spent her life in Faith and Service. Many league members attended her Requiem Mass and formed a guard of honour as her casket was taken from the church. May she Rest in Peace. Aroha Turnbull a long time member of League from Paeroa branch, shortly before her recent death, was awarded the Bene Merenti medal for over 50 years of service to League, The Parish and the Community.