They couldn’t quite make it to their 60th anniversary, but the remaining ladies of the Tenterfield Quota Club have called it a day after 59 years of serving the community.
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Of the four remaining active members, Elaine Smith and Daphne Struck have been part of the organisation since its inception, being among the 17 foundation members.
Quota International began in America in 1919 as a charitable service organisation. Quota came to Australia in 1930.
Quota came to Tenterfield in 1957 sponsored by the Quota Club of Glen Innes, and the charter dinner was held at the Royal Hotel, with 17 foundation members.
Nell Sommerlad was appointed charter president. Charter secretary was Mrs Struck (then Miss Cuthbert) who was still serving, in the role of treasurer, into 2016.
There are two other Charter Members still actively involved with Tenterfield Quota, Elaine Smith has served in many positions as Secretary, President and Treasurer, Ailsa Smith (Quinn) now holds the position of Patron.
When the club was first formed its priority was to help and work for the wellbeing of older folk, and lonely women in the district.
Although Tenterfield at the time of its Charter was the youngest Service Club in Tenterfield, it became the first to have a District Governor in its membership.
When local music teacher and Quotarian Alma Crook was looking for a way to showcase the talent of her students, Quota staged its first eisteddfod in 1981 and the biennial event remains the club’s crowning achievement. For its efforts the club was awarded The Sydney Morning Herald service award which was presented to Mrs Crook by NSW Governor Sir Roden Cutler, and is considered a highlight of the club’s history. Following on from this success members launched an appeal to purchase a grand piano for the School of Arts.
Tenterfield Shire Council offered to pay half of the cost and on April 23, 1982 Mrs Sommerlad presented a grand piano to then-shire president Kegga McCowen, for the people of Tenterfield.
This acquisition continues to be a valuable asset to the community and draw compliments from visiting artists.
The club has just run its course.
- Val Gardiner
Over many years Festival Queen candidates were sponsored by Tenterfield Quota, with proceeds going to various community projects.
While it’s a sad day for Tenterfield, Mrs Gardiner said it’s important to be realistic and the former members will maintain the sorority, meeting for dinner once a month on a social basis.
“The club has just run its course,” she said.
With the management of the eisteddfod transferred to the Tenterfield Eisteddfod Association, community members will be relieved to hear the same committee is taking over production of the Quota phonebook.