Once the crew started landing Wendy and I worked as a team.  I was ‘accosting’ the crew members as they walked past us and asking if they had received a quilt or LB. If they said yes (which most had) could Wendy take a photo of them for the blog and for the quilters to be able to see their recipient.  Without fail, the faces broke into smiles and the thank you’s were so heartfelt and genuine.  Some hugged us, some shook hands and they all beamed. They ALL said how grateful they were and just what it meant to everyone on board.  They all said how much the gifts meant to them and how opening the AHQ parcels and viewing the contents moved many to tears.  I cannot tell you how that made me feel.  

Yes, it drizzled with rain. Yes, it was quite chilly and yet you know what? 
I did not care one jot. 

 Now I am waiting for the next Welcome Home.  Count me in as today was just such a wonderful experience.

Lynn x x

…..

 Federal Member for Gilmore, the very lovely and friendly Ann Sudmalis MP and with her Commodore Peter Leavy.   Ann was particularly interested to hear all about Aussie Heroes.

Mrs Andrea MacNamara,wife of the Captain, and one of  their sons, with Mrs and Commodore Phil Spedding, one of Caroline’s recipients. Caroline you will be pleased to know that your quilt lives on the spare bed at home.

Here she comes, right on time…

This lovely fellow received a quilt when he was on HMAS Darwin and he stepped out of the crowd when he saw me going past to say hello and thank you for the quilt and bag he received.   You see people, time passes but more and more I am finding that the appreciation of our quilts and laundry bags does not.

The Ship’s Warrant Officer (one of your recipients, Anna and Kitty) was more than happy to stop for a photo

As was the captain, Commander Dominnic MacNamara and his family.

Now for the rest of the photos I will name the quilter and the person who made the laundry bag in that order. Hope that works for you.  The names ABOVE the photo will be the relevant ones.

Michelle Mck and Joan

Skye C and Jean B

Marie B and Helen P

Cheri and Jill S

Kay C and Joan

Jenny F

Marilyn S and Cheryl DP

Kaitlin P and Jackie J (on the LHS) and Jill S and Joan

Sorry about the rain drop on the lens…. Lola and Cathie S

Yvette and Joan.
(this for gorgeous fellow’s mum is one of our quilters and she was there today. 
So sorry to have missed meeting her)

Lynette S and Joan

This fellow’s quilt was made by Cathie L and you might remember me telling how Cathie L and her recipient’s mother, also Cathie, met up.  Apparently there are plans to meet up again. How lovely!

Lynn, quilted by Cath M

Jackie J and Jill S

Now I am a bit biased but this fellow received a quilt that was a top made by the North of the Yarra Quilt Group, that I embellished using details on a coin that he had sent me as a thank you for Aussie Heroes, even before he knew I had anything to do with his quilt.   Today he found me and gave me another coin as a thank you for his quilt. What a gem!

Happiness Fairies and Joan

Now folks, this is the lovely lady who was responsible for spending much of her own time taking the many photos of people with quilts and laundry bags that we were sent. A massive job and I am indebted to her for her wonderful efforts.  She received a quilt from Ruth F and a laundry bag from Julie H (who is actually deployed herself at the moment)

Ahhhh, I don’t usually name the troops but no prizes for guessing who this is with one look at the lovely laundry bag she received from Pam Y. She also received a quilt from Sue N.  I met her family too – they were very grateful.

And it was especially lovely to meet their little girl!!!  Truly an Aussie Hero family!

Julie Ann (LB only)

Leesa O’Connell and Robyn B

Queanbeyan CWA and Cath S

Sue P and Joan 

Jillianne and Maree J 

Jackie J and Joan 

Glenda Joy and Joan

Debbie O and Jean B

Tina C and Maree J 

One the left Julie Ann and on the right
Jo-Anne H and Lisa C

Kathy L and Julie H (ACT)

Stephanie D (Q and LB)

Kay C and Rosemary H

Dolphin Quilters and Pennie

Glenys T and Joan

Pennie 

Rowena and Julie Ann

Kaylee and Janette

Wendy H

Marilyn S

Val G and Jill S

We didn’t get the name for this fellow so if you recognise your quilt please let me know.

Val G and Lisa C

Rebecca and Maree J

Happiness Fairies and Maree J 

Sharon Mc and Jackie Jubb

Debbie T and Julie H (ACT)

No names for this fellow either  – does anyone recognise the laundry bag they made?

Jill M and Maree J 

Michelle H and Jill S

Laurene and Lisa C

Queanbeyan CWA and Joan

Queanbeyand CWA and Pennie