The re-opening of the Nimmitabel branch of the CWA’s Crafty Belles shop earlier this month also marked the launch of the ‘adopt-a-teacup and saucer’ campaign, a creative and light-hearted initiative developed by Nimmitabel CWA women as a nod to the many lost, mis-matched, and orphaned teacups and saucers of Australia.

Each repaired/saved teacup and saucer can be adopted from Crafty Belles for $5, with customers receiving a printed adoption certificate acknowledging their chosen set. Many of the pairings are intentionally unexpected - cups and saucers that appear perfectly paired despite coming from different origins while other sets are purposefully and boldly very different.

Whatever the pairing, all reflect the campaign’s theme of connection, second chances and usefulness.

The inaugural and very first teacup and saucer adoption from the shop was presented to The Hon. Bronnie Taylor on the re-opening day complete with a signed adoption certificate from Nimmitabel CWA branch president, Leonie Thistleton.

“I really love the women of Nimmitabel for coming up with this brilliant idea for saving all the mis-matched teacups and saucers around the region,” Mrs Taylor said, upon receiving her beautiful repaired Noritake sage garland floral pattern teacup and saucer.

Anyone in the region can now donate old teacups and saucers, matched or mis-matched, together or pieces on their own by dropping the items into Crafty Belles.

Following the formal opening proceedings, guests gathered in the adjacent Geldmacher Museum, surrounded by even more Nimmitabel history. The second room attached to the museum was the original CWA rooms before the shop was given its own building in the precinct.

Guests enjoyed freshly baked scones, finger sandwiches filled with classics including cucumber, cream cheese and dill, chicken with herb mayonnaise, and egg with locally grown chives - all adorning vintage tiered platters and beautiful floral plates.

Refreshments were offered with an assortment of teas, including a hand-made iced tea recipe of cranberry, pomegranate and bush honey to honour the heatwave rolling through the Great Dividing Range that day. And, all tea was served on donated vintage china.

Feedback throughout the morning echoed a shared sentiment: the re-opening was a beautiful example of “how the CWA continues to bring people together” according to Geldmacher precinct trustee, John Alcock.

“Not only does Crafty Belles look great in the Geldmacher precinct and we couldn’t be prouder to have CWA front and centre in Nimmitabel, but the way this re-opening has brought the community together, is a wonderful occasion and I thank the Country Women’s Association for that,” he said.

The revitalisation of Crafty Belles represents more than a refreshed shopfront. It reflects the dedication of volunteers, the strength of regional collaboration, and the enduring role of the Country Women’s Association in rural communities.

Crafty Belles, although open is always on the hunt for volunteers to assist in the shop.

The Nimmitabel CWA is accepting donations of books, DVDs, old tea cups and saucers (they are not required to be matching or complete sets).

All donations help the CWA to raise funds to keep the shop and library area thriving.

Donations can be dropped at the CWA Crafty Belles shop during opening hours from 10am to 3pm. To register to help at the shop or for more information contact president, Leonie Thistleton on 0427 970 471.