What would the Woodies do without women?
It’s a question no-one knows the answer to because in its 40-year history, women have always been a part of Goulburn Valley Woodworkers.
Now, the Woodies are searching for women who have been associated with the club at any time during the past four decades to celebrate them at a small gathering on International Women’s Day on March 8.
“Goulburn Valley Woodworkers have always been an inclusive club. We’ve always welcomed women,” secretary Glenda Cotterill said.
“Women have made, and continue to make, a strong contribution to our club.
“However, in the early days, when we were known as Woodcrafters and Woodturners of the Goulburn Valley, many women contributed to the Woodies in unofficial ways.
“Some did woodwork, but early in our history most women supported the Woodies by catering for the annual wood show, putting together newsletters, accounting, writing minutes and so on.”
The contributions of these women were not always recorded in detail in written records or placed on honour boards.
To set this right, the club is now gathering its history of women Woodies; looking through old photographs and interviewing those who were involved in the early days.
The club has been able to contact some women easily who are still associated or spoken about by some of the older members. But there are still gaps.
“We are calling on any women who have been associated with the club, to make contact with us,” Ms Cotterill said.
“We’d love to hear about your involvement with the Woodies — no matter how big or small you think your contribution was.”
The club, which has always been run solely by volunteers, has existed since 1984.
Family members of women who were part of the Woodies are also encouraged to make contact.
∎ Phone Goulburn Valley Woodworkers on 0404 940 550 or email gvwoodworkers.secretary@gmail.com