At our poppy-making morning we were delighted to be joined by a large group of senior St Joseph’s Central School students who got to work with enthusiasm and added to the growing field of flowers.

The woollen and felt poppies will be worked into patchwork ‘fields’ on a base of blankets knitted by Oberon women. The paper poppies will form a mural.

Dedications can be pinned or tied on the back of poppies in memory of those who served or fell in the two World Wars and other conflicts, and they will be recorded in a permanent way.

The first chance to see the poppy collection with be on International Women’s Day on March 8; poppies are needed by March 1 for the display, but it could be ongoing close to Anzac Day.

Friends of the Oberon Library are hosting International Women’s Day on March 8, from 2pm at the Robert Hooper Community Centre.

In keeping with the Anzac Commemoration this year our theme is how war affects women. 

This free event, sponsored by Oberon Council, includes Oberon Writers Group with themed readings, and keynote speakers Elaine Boxer – nurses in conflict, Fran Bentley – Women’s Land Army, and Amanda O’Brien – a Mother’s Story. 

There will be displays of memorabilia – uniforms, 1915 underwear, photo wall, letters, articles, musical interlude, guests’ family stories – door prize, raffle, and delicious afternoon tea.

Purple ribbons will be for sale, the proceeds going to UNIFEM United Nations Development Fund for Women, the nominated charity for 2015.

The organisation’s work touches the lives of women and girls in more than 100 countries, including Australia.

Acceptance for IWD for catering contact Kathy Sajowitz 0419 231 525 or on dietmar.sajowitz@bigpond.com