PHOTO


Four women were honoured in Balclutha this week for their dedication to Inch Clutha Rural Women.
Jean Begg, Mavis Bichan, and Lorna Baird were awarded life memberships, with more than 150 years' service between them. Former member Ivy Grant was awarded branch honours.
Mrs Begg served as president and secretary several times over her 60-year membership, while Mrs Baird also served as president during her 40 years of membership, and was very involved at a regional level.
Mrs Bichan first joined the group more than 50 years ago, as a newly married young woman moving to a farm in the area.
Mrs Grant started her membership with the then Clydevale Women's Division of Federated Farmers and transferred her membership to the Inch Clutha group when she moved to Balclutha some 30 years ago.
The Clydevale women met only socially now, as the branch closed years ago, but Mrs Grant said she still enjoyed their friendship.
Member Lorraine Pringle said the four were very loyal to Rural Women. They contributed to the group across all levels, offering a range of skills and knowledge, and the group would not be the same without their loyalty and support.
Branch president Jill Morahan thanked the four for their valued contributions.
She said the group always welcomed new members of any age, which was why it still flourished today.
