Gala Event Farewell To Morning Cuppas At St John’s Church Young

After a busy 18 years, the free morning cuppa provided at St John’s Church Hall in Young came to an end on Wednesday, December 4.

Some 59 people went along, including ten people from Sing Australia who entertained all with a delightful selection of songs.

This popular church outreach program commenced 18 years ago with five people attending. It quickly grew to an average of 55 people, and sometimes reached 65.

Dorothy Nash had been inspired by a similar program in Scotland.

“I was fortunate to have the help initially of Barbara Hill, the wife of the Rector at the time - David Hill,” Dorothy said.

“Over the years many people have helped by providing refreshments for these mornings and in making people welcome.”

People who attended have made enduring friendships at the morning cuppas.

Sometimes carers went along with people they were looking after; it was a place where they felt comfortable.

“We think we have provided around 28,000 cups over that time and the sale of homemade jams raised around $15,000 which helped purchase amenities for the hall and also going to the Anglican Bush Church Aid Program which is an Australia-wide mission,” Dorothy said.

The Rev Ian Marshall, who was a locum for St John’s for some time, sent a message of goodwill concluding with the saying, “For every time there is a season”.

Morning Cuppas has reached its end.

The Rector, the Rev Neil Percival said Ian had summarised very nicely that it was time to end the morning cuppas.

He thanked Dorothy, her husband Rob, Bev Cameron, Russell Troth and Brett Schiller for the work they had been doing and wished them all the very best for the future.

Councillor Alison Foreman, representing Hilltops Council paid tribute to Dorothy and her helpers and thanked Sing Australia and the people for going along to such a significant event.

Although it was a sad occasion, it was clear that everyone present thoroughly enjoyed the morning.

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