Somerton’s Edna McGrath could affectionately be considered the mayor of her small village. And probably one reason she has earned the respect of locals is her involvement in community fundraising – Edna’s latest effort was being instrumental in helping raise a whopping $7000 for the Biggest Morning Tea held at the local pub recently.
Edna, who has been raising money for the Cancer Council’s annual fundraiser for the last 20 years, is currently spending a small stint in hospital, but accolades for her mum’s good work is echoed through daughter, well known thoroughbred horse trainer Sue Grills of Tamworth.
“She only took it on as something else to do for the community. It was usually held at the local hall, but due to Covid, moved to the hotel
which was a perfect venue,” Sue said.
Somerton Hotel manager Annette Mackley said that the recent fundraising effort was “massive” on the part of Edna and her chief helper Janice Gardner.
“The amount raised was absolutely fantastic. We had 88 people attend, but the amount raised was massive. People just couldn’t believe that so much could be raised in such a short time. It’ll definitely be an annual thing here from the pub’s point of view,” Annette said.
Edna though said that a good portion of the funds raised came from various donations.
The hotel, which only re-opened its doors earlier in the year, is pushing all the buttons to cater for its influx of patrons. A well-supported camp oven bake off was held there last weekend, and the possibility of a Christmas in July is also in the pipeline according to its manager.
By Vinnie Todd
