Member for Northern Tablelands Richard Torbay joined with members of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) at Saumarez House tearooms to honour the newest life member of the CWA of NSW, Mrs Ruth Blanch.
Mr Torbay congratulated Mrs Blanch – who attended the surprise ceremony with her three adult children – and commended her dedication to the community.
“Ruth is someone who always seems to be there, working away in the background and embodies the real spirit of volunteering,” Mr Torbay said.
“The hours of her own time she has dedicated to working with the CWA and other organisations would be incalculable.
“The large crowd here willing to keep a secret is a real testament to the high regard in which she is held and, on behalf of the community, I thank Ruth for giving so generously of herself over so many years.”
Mrs Blanch has been a member of the Armidale branch of the CWA of NSW for more than 20 years and in that time has been responsible for many innovations including the leasing of part of the CWA rooms in Rusden Street to the Ascent Group for vocational training.
President of the branch, Mrs Emmie Forge, said the members were unanimous in their support of Mrs Blanch’s life membership.
“Ruth is completely deserving of this honour and her work with the branch over the years has included a stint as the Group president and other executive roles,” Mrs Forge said.
“We were thrilled that the presentation was such a surprise and that we were able to acknowledge her invaluable service to the community in such a meaningful way.”
