The Narrandera Garden Club awarded honorary life membership to two very special women, Gwen Nielsen and Joan McLay in recognition and appreciation of their long years of dedication to the Garden Club, their willingness to share their gardening knowledge, commitment to the Town and Country Open Garden Day and for fostering ‘Friendship through Gardening’.

The presentation took place at a small gathering of Garden Club executive and family members last weekend at Teloca House.

Joan was one of the founding members of the club, which was established in 1978. During all those 45 years she remained an active member of the club holding various executive positions during that time, including treasurer for many years.

She could always be relied on to share her blooms each month for the ‘Show ‘n’ Tell’.

Gwen joined the club a couple of years later and served as secretary for many of those years. She was perhaps best known for her co-ordination of the annual Open Garden Day, which this year celebrates its 40th year.

Both women were also very involved with the Camellia Show over the years.

“It’s because of people like Joan and Gwen that the Garden Club has continued all those years later with such a strong membership,” said a club spokeswoman.