If you happened to be in the vicinity of Kiama's Surf Beach last Saturday afternoon, you may have noticed a bevy of brightly clad, well-dressed ladies and gentlemen entering the surf club.

These people, including myself, were there as guests of the evening branch of Kiama CWA for their inaugural spring high tea.

The event was organised to “create and support community connections”, and judging by the events of the ensuing two hours, it certainly achieved this aim.

Just entering the room was a delightful start. Dress code was “spring floral” and everyone looked resplendent in their colourful spring finery.

Filling the room were many roundtables, beautifully and thoughtfully laid with crisp white linen, delicate china settings for eight - coffee jugs, teapots, cake tiers and in the centre of each table, a vase of pretty spring blooms.

A glorious view of the sea and beach outside added to the atmosphere.

CWA ladies were bedecked in their aprons, feverishly organising the delivery of goodies to each table, and ensuring everyone found their seat. The chatter was spirited and happy.

Kiama evening branch president Dianne Tierney gave the welcome speech, talked a little about what the CWA does in our community, the reasoning behind this particular event and then introduced various future speakers, before handing over to the MC, Deputy Mayor Melissa Matters.

Though the CWA of NSW has been operating for over 100 years, the Kiama Evening Branch has only been around since 2017. It has over 30 members who meet in the evening because most still work full-time.

Fundraising to support community, the organisation of friendly social events, the setting of policies to be lobbied for at state level to aid in improving the conditions of country folk, all these tasks are undertaken by the CWA. It's not all about those famous scones!

Support from the community is invaluable, and mandatory for the ongoing success of the CWA, which is apolitical. Gilmore MP Fiona Phillips was there as a guest, along with Melissa Matters, showing their support for this hardworking community organisation.

Kiama Surf Life Saving Club donated the use of the spectacular venue, and in addition, a major financial sponsor Gary Pinch of Accounting Professionals Shellharbour donated a generous sum to help cover the cost of ingredients for all those delicious morsels made by the CWA.

Local businesses donated raffle prizes, with a highlight being an original oil painting on canvas by well-known Kiama artists, Michele Skuza, herself a KEB member.

Speakers for the day were Thea Blanch of St Vincent de Paul Kiama, who spoke of their aid for those suffering financial hardship in our community; Sabrina Kelly, co-founder of the Social Club for Neurodivergent Youth in Kiama, who spoke about the amazing help and support the CWA has given her organisation; and Brenda Waters of Berry CWA, who explained their "Women Living Rough" program, and gave us a little insight into what her branch is doing to help women in this very disturbing situation. The dedication and work of these individuals and organisations is to be not only applauded and admired, but supported. By us all.

Thoroughly enjoyable, wonderful entertainment was provided by members of the Sing Australia Choir under the leadership of Maree Shepherd.

Singing along was the request, and how much fun we collectively had with Neil Diamond's Sweet Caroline, possibly the most used song at any celebration, sporting event or pub, ever!

And what about the food? High Tea it certainly was!

We were plied with cake tiers beautifully arrayed with the KEB's own cooking, tiny iced cupcakes, dainty lemon drop cookies, coconut and jam and choc slices and bickies.

Then there were mini quiches, sausage rolls, lovely mouthwatering little sandwich strips, and of course, those divine scones. With jam & cream if you don't mind.

All washed down with tea, coffee and for the naughty ones, bubbles from the bar.

Too soon, after the raffles had been won, prizes given out, the food had been demolished and the last dregs had been drained from the teapots, it was time to leave.

An absolutely delicious CWA offering, a successful fundraiser with special thanks to member Claire Calvert, and also a reminder of how needed these community organisations are and what a first rate service they provide.