A day out with the Penrith War Widows Social Club
Jill, one of our Member from Penrith, shared with us the story about how memorable a trip with her social club can be.
The Penrith War Widows Social Club gathered on 16 April and enjoyed a special outing to Innovations Direct at Frenchs Forest, a homewares and general merchandise retailer, organised with the support of their Social Club Coordinator, Dallas, and the venue.
Jill shared, “Have you ever put your name down to go somewhere, and then later thought for whatever reason that you didn’t want to proceed with your choice, but went ahead anyway only to find out that you had a very exciting and fun filled day?” This is what that day felt like for her, following up to say she had no regrets going on a shopping spree with her social club.
The road trip to Innovations Direct
The twelve members gathered at Penrith RSL at the beginning of the day, setting off in a minibus driven by Robyn, who Jill recalls having the attentiveness and good humour that set the tone for the day. The journey took the group through familiar roads and on into some beautiful scenery through a national park, laughter and conversation not ceasing even once through the drive, “I have never laughed so much in my life”, Jill mentioned.
Arriving at Innovations Direct, members were welcomed by staff and made their way into the Show Room, excitement immediately circulating through all members once they saw the huge array of merchandise on offer. It seemed to have a section for everyone, letting all the ladies get busy with a day of shopping together.
The newly opened Clearance Warehouse proved a highlight. Jill described it as a hive of activity with crazy bargains. But the exciting variety of merchandise was not what made the day so special.
Each war widow also received a commemorative lapel pin, a thoughtful gesture appreciated by the ladies. After leaving “the heady excitement of shopping”, lunch at the Forest Hotel followed, where they enjoyed a meal and plenty of good conversation, with some indulging in cake for dessert. The return journey was marked by more good spirit, Jill recalling it to be “full of laughter”, with the driver Robyn remarking that she had never come across such a happy group of women who laughed as much as they did,”
Return journey with further good spirit
By mid afternoon, members returned to Penrith RSL, tired but content after a day of shopping and a humorous road trip. The outing was made possible through the leadership, concern and care of their Coordinator Dallas. This story really highlights that a special day is never about the location, it’s about the people you share it with. Something as simple as a day of shopping had turned into a memorable day for Jill and many in the group, all because of this “happy group of women.” Jill may have been hesitant to have a day out but did not have an ounce of regret after she joined in. After a day like this, members are not left with the things they brought home, but the feeling that they have each other.
