As the year is wrapping up, war widow social clubs have been celebrating the Christmas season with club lunches that bring members together for good food and great company as one last celebration together for 2025. These gatherings are a tradition that keeps friendships strong as members close the year with a final festive celebration, reminding us why connection matters during the holidays. Throughout late November and recent weeks of December, there have been a variety of gatherings to celebrate. Here are some of the highlights from the gatherings.
Bay and Basins
On 9 December, ten ladies met at Pelican Rocks for a seafood lunch that was, in their words, “absolutely fantastic.” The meals were nothing less than appreciated, so much so there was no need for doggy bags, a first for the group! But the real highlight of this gathering was the surprise birthday moment for one of the ladies, Nancy. Since the club’s next meeting is not until later in January, celebrating Nancy’s soon to be birthday at the gathering felt appropriate. With an unexpected sign, candles and ice cream appearing, Nancy looked around trying to figure out who’s birthday it was, only to discover it was an early surprise dedicated to her. It was recalled being a wholesome moment for the group, Nancy’s shock being unforgettable. The birthday surprise was of course mixed with more festivity, with the Coordinator Maureen thoughtfully bringing homemade slices of Christmas-themed cake for everyone, an act she’s known to do throughout the years to those who have supported her.
City Saturday Club
Held at their Coordinator Lynne’s home, the City Saturday Clubs annual Christmas celebration this year turned into an unforgettable moment for one of the ladies present, Mary. Surrounded by 22 friends in a warm, laughter filled setting, Mary was stunned when Lynne presented her with a Life Membership certificate, an honour usually reserved for our Annual General Meeting that Mary was unfortunately unable to receive earlier this year. Lynne so kindly volunteered to present it to Mary at the clubs Christmas gathering. “The look on her face was magic,” one member said, as the group could feel nothing but proud of Mary. All present collectively agreed that Mary deserved it more than anything from her decades of selflessness and resilience. Her peers agreed: Mary lives the Guild’s Motto. Her kindness and humour have touched every life in that room.
The Entrance and Long Jetty
This was the biggest gathering of the season, with 31 attendees including guests from Toukley, Woy Woy, Swansea and Ettalong. Board Member Lyn Bye joined the day along with an RSL representative. There were speeches, recitations of the Ode and Motto, and of course bon bons cracked. As one member summed it up, “everything went beautifully.”
Muswellbrook
Six ladies met at Muswellbrook Workers Club on 17 November for a lunch of baked dinner and sticky date pudding. The tables were decorated with Santa’s and candles as well as two items from members that had recently passed in the club to honour them and still have them present in spirit. It had been such a brilliant day for the ladies, getting lost in the time from “chatting and carrying on for hours”, “everyone went home so full they needed to put their feet up.” as one member said.
Other festive lunches
Wollongong ladies gathered at their local sports club with gifts of shortbread biscuits and chocolates. Northern Beaches Club enjoyed the most beautiful ocean-view lunch at Long Reef Golf Club with decorations and bon bons. Clarence Valley ladies met at Vines with a decorated table and gifts to pick from for every attendee, and Port Macquarie Club continued its tradition at Settlers Inn with gifts for all. Each lunch was well received and could not be described as anything less than a “great way to end the year” with connection and a chance to catch up and celebrate together.
Guild social clubs have existed for decades to make sure no war widow faces life alone. Christmas is a season that embodies the gift of giving and sharing, making social connection a must in all communities at this time. Everyone should be able to enter the new year with companionship and practical support, something these clubs have and will always offer for all war widows.
To join a War Widows Social Club or to find a club near you, view our War Widows Programs page and use our handy interactive map to locate clubs in your area. Alternatively, reach out to us at warwidows@fov.org.au for any support regarding clubs or call the office at 02 9267 6577.
