FROM humble beginnings in the mid 1980’s where local members would meet in each other’s homes and contribute 20 cents per meeting towards club costs, nearly 38 years on, the Mountain Quilters Inc. are still proudly going strong. Part of the secret to the club’s success and longevity has been the ongoing involvement and contribution of its members. On Wednesday March 8, three long-term committee members; Lorraine Mann, Norma Ashe and Bonnie Arbon were pleasantly surprised to receive extra special recognition by being awarded life membership of the association.
President Ann Dunne said she felt it was important to acknowledge the wonderful longstanding commitment that each of the ladies had contributed to the club over a number of decades, and she was thrilled that these members were being bestowed life membership status.
“Lorraine, Norma and Bonnie have been involved in the club since the 1990’s and have held places on various committees during that time. We feel that when we have such longstanding members who have contributed to the club in one way or another they deserve to receive the accolade of Life Membership,” explained Ann.
Originally established in the home of Barb Grigor in May 1985, the club started with 17 interested ladies keen to learn more about patchwork and quilting. The group rapidly expanded in size, and by 1987 the fortnightly meeting needed to be relocated to Peachester Hall, where they continue to this day. Originally called ‘The Beerwah Peachester Patchwork Club’, a few years later the group renamed themselves ‘Mountain Quilters’. Currently the group has around 80 members – an impressive number for a local craft group!
Since 2000, the group have run a successful bi-annual Quilt Show in the hall showcasing the artistry of the crafters. Over the years the event has progressively grown, with expected crowd numbers of between 600-700 visitors predicted for this years’ two-day event. Ann said the members were excited about planning for this years’ Quilt Show to be held Saturday-Sunday, May 6-7, especially as the previous events had to be postponed due to COVID.
This year, the show theme will be ‘Quilts on the Mountain’, with entry just $5. To find out more contact Ann on
0408 721 118 or search for Mountain Quilters Inc on Facebook.