Madeline Heber
My association with Madeline Heber began 59 years ago when we both arrived at the beginning of the school year to take up appointments as members of the science staff. She was a talented teacher, a true professional, with a particular interest in Biology. Not only were her talents academic, she was also a gifted crafts person. As I gradually discovered she could repair pianos, carry out minor repairs on motor cars, create artificial flowers to wear on our fashionable grey flannel suits and was very clever at repairing things. Together we undertook a TAFE Course in Microbiology which, after her marriage, enabled her to help her husband with pathology requirements in his medical practice for some years.
Our paths diverged over the years until we both retired and unexpectedly met again on an excursion to Goulburn with Eve Rashleigh. Madeline had been to a craft show at Rosehill where she became interested in spinning and weaving and as a result had started a TAFE course. She joined Eve's spinning group which met upstairs in the Guild rooms where her enthusiasm and gift for craftwork was again demonstrated with the beautiful beadwork and the lace she learnt to make. When diminished numbers through deaths and ill-health caused Eve's group to fold, Madeline joined the Woodstock group where she continued as an active member (again with her box of tools) until ill health forced her retirement.
She joined the Guild and participated wholeheartedly with her usual enthusiasm, generosity and capability, donating many prizes for raffles, supervising afternoon tea, attending mini workshops and undertaking duty on numerous occasions for the Guild. When she finally entered a nursing home her family demonstrated her generosity by donating her equipment and materials to the Guild.
Madeline was indeed a valuable member of the Guild.
Marion Anderson