Image Judy Jackson, Woolgoolga Garden Club
Recently Margaret Franks (a member of both Coffs and Woolgoolga Garden Clubs) received the Garden Clubs of Australia Anne Williams Clark Award.
Margaret was presented this award at the Woolgoolga Garden Club’s Christmas function. Margaret was nominated in recognition for her tireless work in promoting friendship through gardens. Margaret undertakes various roles within each club and coupled with her willingness to share her vast horticultural knowledge.
Every undertaking she takes on board is done with her ever cheerful attitude and is a highly valued member of both clubs.
About the Award
The Award is for long and outstanding service to their club.
It started in 1998 and was originally a single national award. However, a reveiw of the award took place in 2011 and from there on, any affiliated club may now nominate a member of their club for the medallion.
Who was Anne Williams Clark and why is she recognised?
Anne was born in the United States and trained as a nurse. During WWII she was caring for American troops in the Philippines where she was taken prisoner by the Japanese. Eventually freed, she married an airman who was posted first to New Zealand and then to Sydney.
Anne’s many interests included her garden and she was a born horticulturalist. She was very active in the Garden Clubs of Australia helping the formation of Clubs, and visiting outlying areas to provide advice.
She held many positions on the National Committee from 1971 to 1997 including a number of years as President.
Due to wartime POW deprivation Anne’s health deteriorated and she passed away in 1999. She was a much loved and respected member of the Garden Clubs of Australia Committee, who by her actions truly promoted the GCA motto of ‘Friendship through Gardens’.
The committee of Woolgoolga Garden Club and supported by Coffs Harbour Club decided to recognise a very worthy member of the club this year. Congratulations Margaret, you epitomise everything that this award is about.
