Spokesperson for the quilters, Mary Cooke, said the group was proud to be able to donate $1000 to Bega Valley Can Assist, knowing that all the money would remain in the Bega Valley to give confidential financial assistance to those affected by cancer.

Visiting quilters from Eden also donated $50 to Bega Valley Can Assist, making the total amount donated $1050.

With the assistance of Michelle Dedlefs from Bermagui Stitch Connection and Meg Dodson from Meg’s Quilting, also at Bermagui,  the beautiful quilt was completed in time to be raffled at the exhibition.

Winners of the raffle were: 1st prize  - Red and white Quilt won by Barry Austin. 2nd prize -  $100 machine quilting voucher donated by Meg Dodon’s Machine Quilting Service, Bermagui, won by Maureen Teager. 3rd prize  - $50 fabric voucher donated by Freddies Fabrics of Cobargo, won by Shirley Toohill. 4th prize - sewing accessories donated by The Stitch Connection, Bermagui, won by Jane Gibson.

Viewers’ Choice award comprising chocolates and fabric won by Linda Butcher with her quilt ‘Passacaglia Strippy’

Lori Hammerton representing BV Can Assist accepted the money and presented the group with a certificate of appreciation which will be hung in their work space at Cobargo CWA rooms. 

Bega Hospital Auxiliary

Last weekend the South East Regional Hospital had an open day where Bega Hospital Auxiliary had a stall along with others. The auxiliary would like to thank those who supported us. Our cakes sold out very quickly and we were pleased with the money raised. The raffle prize was drawn and Margaret Warren was the lucky winner.

The last meeting for 2018 will be held on Friday, November 16, at 10am in the lower level of the hospital. Plans have been made for the Christmas Raffle to begin in the Sapphire Market Place on Monday, November 19, and the raffle will be drawn on Friday, December 21. The prizes are good and you will see the ladies in their purple shirts in the Market Place. Please buy a ticket as every cent we earn goes directly to your local hospital for much needed equipment. 

Finally the auxiliary would like to thank the people of Bega and district for their support throughout the year. The members of the Auxiliary work very hard and the support of the community is very much appreciated.

Cobargo Garden Club

The Cobargo Garden and Friendship Club will meet on Monday, November 12, at the home of Ros and Will Mead, “Boxville” 198 Westrops Rd, Coolagolite. Arrive at 12 noon and bring your own lunch. Tea, coffee and cake supplied.

Many thanks to Anne for hosting last month’s garden club. Lots of folks attended and really enjoyed seeing your lovely garden. The snake (diamond python?) nestling amongst the rocks was a special highlight.

CWA Bega Branch Bake-off

For young and old cooking competitors, men, women, boys and girls, it is time to fire up your ovens for the CWA Bega Branch Bake-Off! Put in your diaries Saturday, December 1, at 9am, CWA Hall, 31 Church Street, Bega to deliver and register your entry to Nelleke Gorton in the "The Land" CWA Cookery Contest. You are welcome to stay for the judging and gain some tips from the judge.

The 2018-19 contest gives you a choice of 11 sections with prizes and awards worth more than $3500. The sections include Fruit cakes; Butter cakes; Sultana cakes; Cake decorations; Steamed fruit pudding; Jam, Pickles and Relish; Gluten Free Lamington Fingers, Chocolate sponge; Shortbread and Honey Jumbles.

There is a special section for young competitors: Class (a) Cinnamon Tea Cake - 18 years and under as at March 31, 2019. Class (b) Decorated Butter Biscuits - 12 years and under as at March 31, 2019.

For more information please contact Nelleke Gorton on email petronellagorton@yahoo.com.au and www.cwaofnsw.org.au/cookery.

Free computer help

The Sapphire Community Pantry is now offering free help to people wanting to get online or tame their technology.  Under “Be Connected”, an initiative of the Australian Government, the Pantry has received two laptops and a printer, and has volunteer mentors standing by to help you with your technology problems.  Want to know how to get an email address?  Learn about Facebook and other social media? Track down long lost friends and relatives by searching online?  Connect with family and friends? Save your valuable photos?  Access mygov? Our technology mentors can support you with individual, one on one help.  And it's free.

Come to the Sapphire Community Pantry, 2 Peden Street, Bega between 2pm and 5.30pm every Thursday. Just drop in, or ring 0438 407 364 to make an appointment.  If you have a laptop, phone or other device, bring that along too.

Spiral Gallery news

Opening Friday, November 9, 5pm: Please join us to celebrate the launching of SERAN. An exhibition of prints and paintings by members of the South East Region Artist Network: Heather Burness, Lorna Crane, Craig Cameron, Julie Mia Holmes and Janine Scrivens. Together with works by participants in a pilot program of workshops at Grey Lady Press and the Women's Resource Centre. Exhibition runs until November 28. All welcome.

We are also seeking artists for a Spiral Gallery group exhibition from January 18 to February 13, 2019. The theme is Endangered. What does 'endangered' mean to you? Flora, fauna, human kind, the planet, climate change, intentional/unintentional destruction of habitat and the environment. We are looking for your interpretation of this broad topic. There are still a few places left if you are are interested in participating. Artist participation fee $40. Please email for an Expression of Interest form: hilaryp001@outlook.com

Bega Garden Club

Bega District Garden Club will meet on November 10 at 1pm on the covered veranda of the main house, Foxglove Spires Gardens, 282 Corkhill Drive, Tilba Tilba. Bring your own lunch. Committee at 1.30pm. General Meeting at 2pm.

Christmas is with Carleen Maley this year at 22 Esther Street, Tathra. No formal meeting or stalls. Just a plant auction and various games. Bring a gift from Santa – no more than $5.

True Local at Ivy Hill

Several local artists of note, Rose Chaffey, Nicki Hall and Peter Otton, combine their talents in the exhibition ‘True Local” to produce exceptional paintings of the coast and hinterland. Running from November 8 to December  2. Join the artists for drinks on Saturday, November 10, and scroll through their catalogues at www.ivyhill.com.au. You will find Ivy Hill Gallery on the coast road between Bermagui and Tathra.  The Gallery is open Thursday to Sunday from 10am- 5pm.