Quilters celebrate 30 years

By Emily Donohoe

Jul 9, 2024

Committee members (from left) Carol Martin, Carol Mallows, Linda O'Keefe, Yvonne Simpkin, Marika Szendroe, Heather Fullard, Ann Halden, baker Helen Quinn, and Pat Sehestedt with their 30th birthday cake. Photos: Emily Donohoe Photo by Emily Donohoe

The Rich River Quilters celebrated their 30th birthday with a lunch and party after their usual weekly meeting on Monday, July 8.

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Members gathered at Echuca Village Hall for their regular Monday sewing session, followed by a celebration of the last 30 years.

The walls were decorated with quilt art made by members. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Over the years, they have crafted and donated more than 4200 items to the community, supporting initiatives and organisations such as the Biggest Morning Tea, Community Living & Respite Services, Glanville Aged Care, Girl Guides, and Wharprilla Lodge.

The Rich River Quilters also raised over $3000 for the ERH Cancer and Wellness Centre, created a memorial quilt for the hospital, and a decorative hanging for the Echuca Police Station.

Their 30th birthday cake was baked by member Heather Fullard. Photo by Emily Donohoe

The hall was filled with party decorations and memories from their decades of work, including quilt art hung on the walls and a scrapbook with some of their proudest achievements.

The quilters enjoyed sandwiches, soups, fruit platters and cups of tea, as well as the intricate cake baked by member Heather Fullard.

Pat Griffiths and Helen Bennett enjoy the birthday lunch. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Members brought a variety of quilts to discuss, including a unique piece by Colleen Wray.

“Sometimes I have several on the go,” she said.

“I bought this fabric (making up the scalloped edges) because I really loved it, then I worked all the other colours around it.

“The design I did myself ... trying to use all different textures and fabrics.”

Quilter Colleen Wray with her newest quilt. Photo by Emily Donohoe

Many locals donate fabric and sewing equipment to the group for the creation of quilts and items that can be given back to the community.

“For a lot of us, it’s just our time,” secretary Marika Szendore said.

“We’ve got the materials and things here, it’s just a matter of that time.”

The group meets every Monday from 9.30am to 2pm at Echuca Village Hall, and always welcomes new members. To join, reach out to richriverquilters@gmail.com

Echuca Village Hall is located on the corner of Simmie and Mitchell Rds, Echuca Village 3564.