Let us, O Lord, achieve the nobler purpose,

For which we live – that others may be blest.

Save us from pettiness and all self-seeking;

Teach us to seek, to find, to give the best,

Let us be genuine with one another,

And see in each the best that we can find.

So many lives depend on ours for brightness,

Lord, keep us brave, and help us to be kind.

The CWA (Country Women’s Association) mission statement addresses the best of community, giving and commitment to God. For anyone who grew up in the country or the ‘regions’ outside of the big cities in Australia, you will know well the CWA, a robust organisation of women lending helping hands to people and providing important community support in times of need.

In Hobart a group of artists have come together to form a new branch, the Hobart CBD branch of the CWA, Tasmania. And although there is an artistic purpose for this, they have ACTUALLY legally formed the branch. You can read here an excerpt from their website;

A little over a week ago today, we lined the edges of the meeting room at the State Headquarters of the CWA in Tasmania.  Like a bunch of slightly misplaced exotic birds, we had each swept, a little breathless from rushing, into the room. As the numbers grew so did the mix of surprise and delight on the faces of  State and  Southern Tasmanian Presidents Shirley Morrisby and Christine Booth. In Shirley’s 39 years in the organisation, it was the first time she had had the opportunity to open a new branch and her pleasure in the task reflected a desire within the organisation to reach out to new generation of members who might be able to carry on the mission of the organisation.

In so many ways as artists we try to form a sense of belonging, either within our own circles or to try and reach out to the wider public. In the CBD CWA branch as well as perfecting crocheting, knitting and cake baking there is a deeper and more honest attempt at community building.

http://cwa-cbdbranch.com/

Martyn Coutts.