Norma Knox has been presented with an Outstanding Award from the Australian Red Cross for putting together the history of the Gloucester Branch.
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When the branch celebrated 100 years of service, it became clear that there wasn’t a recorded history of how the branch came to be.
Norma took it upon herself to do some research and record the history of Gloucester’s voluntary service. She also organised a commemorative garden at Memorial Park for the Centenary of Red Cross.
So the Australian Red Cross awarded her for the initiative.
After receiving the honour, Norma told her fellow branch members that she felt the award was reconsigning all the local Red Cross volunteers from over the years.
It all began during World War I, with Gloucester women making pyjamas, knitted jumpers and socks that were sent overseas.
During World War II, they ran a refreshment room at the Gloucester Railway Station catering for the soldiers going to and returning from service.
Nowadays, the volunteers run the canteen at the Gloucester saleyards, selling freshly made sandwiches and other goodies during the cattle sales, with all money raised going directly to the Red Cross.
Currently there are seven regular canteen volunteers, but they are always looking for more help.
To help contact Jennie Smith on 0435 885 482.