Life member Alyth Darwin, one of the longest standing members, said, "For me one of the loveliest things about the group is the way it incorporates new people that have come to Waikanae into the community.
"It allows them to pursue something that interests them and make friends and have lots of fun and laughter along the way."
Current president Anne Bellamy said, "The society fulfils a need for third age people who need to do something worthwhile with their time.
"People can spend time with people of like interests and enjoy their company.
"The good thing is that when you pay your subs you can go to any of the groups. Lots of people start in one and finish up in another."
Annie Sullivan, who is part of the embroidery group, said, "We could all do this at home or pick up a book and find out how to do it but there's inspiration and encouragement from seeing what other people are doing.
"The beauty of joining a group like this is that more experienced members are very willing to share their knowledge and skills with newer and less experienced members."
Over the years the groups have included painting, embroidery, spinning, pottery, felt-making, weaving, spinning, porcelain painting, crochet, card making, a miniaturist group and a 'round tuit' group for all those people who have projects sitting around in their cupboards that they haven't gotten around to doing.
The society welcomes new members who have an enthusiasm for arts and crafts with groups meeting at many times throughout the week.
They would like to thank the council, Waikanae Community Trust, Waikanae Baptist Trust and Fibre Flair for their generous grants and support.
