A GROUP of 20 women came together at the weekend to celebrate 30 years of patchwork and quilting at Dubbo.
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The Dubbo Patchwork and Quilters Group was established on Anzac Day in 1985, and Charlene Bower was one of the founding members.
“There were two women that decided to put a notice up in the front of the fabric shop,” Mrs Bower said, who also served as the group’s secretary for about 28 years.
“Twenty-five to 30 showed up to that first meeting. We elected officers at that first meeting and we’ve been going ever since.”
The group currently has about 40 members, and holds two meetings every month to share their passion for quilting and patchwork, and often collaborate on quilts.
They are also passionate about giving back to the community, through their gift quilts, which are donated to local organisations such as the Women’s Shelter, Meals on Wheels and the NSW Department of Community Service’s Kids in Crisis.
Comfort quilts are also made for the group’s own members in times of hardship or loss.
Mrs Bower said the group loved having a way to take something that they loved, and use it help others.
“That’s the big plus for us. We all love to do our little bit,” Mrs Bower said.
“It’s been a really nice group of ladies over 30 years, who have a common interest.”
Fellow life member Julie Vaughan said the 30 years had “gone too quick”.