After two years forced absence, CMRI Gerringong’s Quilt & Craft Show is back to celebrate its 30th year.

Since 1959 this extraordinary group of women, recognised as the Kiama Community Group of the Year in 2020, have raised over $2.12 million and over the years the Quilt Show has become their major annual fundraiser.

All of the money raised has gone to funding ground breaking research by the Children’s Medical Research Institute to help the one in 20 children worldwide born with a congenital abnormality or genetic disease.

Already recognised as the major quilt show in the area, the number of entries this year are expected to be the most ever.

The last Quilt Show in 2019, ready and waiting for the public

“Visitors are always impressed with the variety of quilts and wall hangings on display,” says CMRI Gerringong’s Lorraine Peade.

This year they will include the ABC Landline Quilt of Memories featuring 364 squares reflecting life on the land. Measuring 4.5 metres by 2 metres, the quilt consists of squares sewn onto cotton backing made by CWA and other quilting groups and individuals Australia-wide to mark the 30th anniversary of the ABC program.

Over the years, the Quilt Show has become the place for people in the know to stock up on gifts for Christmas, all made by CMRI’s Monday Sewing Group.

“The CMRI Craft Stall will be bigger than past years as the Monday Sewing Group has been stockpiling their best work over the past two years,” says Lorraine.

“There will also be our always popular stall selling cakes, sweets and slices made by CMRI members.

“Refreshments including sandwiches and slice will be on sale, so you can sit down, relax and have a cuppa while you are there.

“There will also be a range of stalls offering quilting supplies, fabric, jewellery and second hand books.”

Another traditional fundraiser is the Quilt Show Raffle, this year a beautiful quilt made by Elizabeth Dubbelde, Mary Lawler and Suzanne St Clare, which will be drawn on the Sunday afternoon.

Christmas cakes made by members will not be available at the Quilt Show this year, with a Christmas Cake Stall being held in Fern St on Saturday 3 December.

Fri 21 and Sat 22 Oct, 10-4pm, and Sun 23 Oct, 10-2pm, Gerringong Town Hall. Entry $5.