PIANIST Val Moase, whose fingers have been tinkling the ivories for Woolgoolga Red Cross for many a year, has been thanked for her long service to the branch as she steps down from the piano stool.

At a recent meeting Woolgoolga Red Cross members were delighted to be able to celebrate Val’s many years of dedicated volunteering to the branch.

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The branch has conducted monthly ‘Friendship Afternoon Teas’ (FAT) for more than 30 years and during that time has relied on volunteer pianists to accompany the singalongs and to support the MC and entertainers.

“Val has provided her very special talents for many of those years and we will miss her skills as she has finally decided it is time to hand over to someone younger,” Robyn Rooth, from Woolgoolga Red Cross, told News Of The Area.

Val has not only played piano for the group but has also knitted Trauma Teddies for many years, baked countless scones for functions, supported meetings by playing the music for the national anthem, and entertained with her famous versions of Pamela Ayres’ poems.

Val was presented with a certificate of thanks from the NSW Red Cross chairman and with a plant for her home by President Carol Rowe and FAT Coordinator Kerry Chaffey.

Carol said, “Whilst Val may not be playing in the future, she will certainly remain a valued member of the branch and we look forward to many years of her company”.

This month’s Friendship Afternoon Tea will be at the Seniors Centre at 2pm on Friday 26 August.

Kerry Chaffey said entertainment would be provided by the orchestral group Nota Bene, comprising six string musicians.

On violins there’s Wendy Nathan, Louise Thompson and Pam Fayle, playing the viola are Ruth Egan and David Fayle, with Stephanie Abbott on the cello.

“We are all members of Coffs Harbour City Orchestra, and we play a range of chamber music from classical to more recent popular songs and movie themes,” Pam Fayle told NOTA.

“We have performed at weddings, art exhibition openings, music festivals and concerts and sometimes we are joined by pianist Adrienne Farago.”

As usual there will also be raffles, singalongs and quizzes.

“Everyone is welcome for a very pleasant outing,” said Robyn.

“Two of our long-serving members also received their 10-year medals this month.

“They are Michelle Chorley who worked with her husband some years ago to conduct the annual Red Cross Calling Campaign.

“The other was Alistair Milroy, who told members he was following in the footsteps of his mother who was a member for 30 years and before coming to Australia was involved with Scottish Red Cross.

“Red Cross certainly has a proud heritage,” he said.

For more information about the Friendship Afternoon Teas phone Kerry on 0475 774 663.

General enquiries can be made to Robyn on 0418 646 801.

By Andrea FERRARI