WHEN the Cronulla Lantern Club turns 50 this year, two of its original members plan to be at a celebratory club luncheon.
The women are Yvonne Gray, 81, and Wynne Warr, 91.
Both of them became members through an association with the Uniting Church, Como.
A third woman, Dorothy Malouf, missed out on being an original member by about six months.
She will address members on the club's history during the luncheon.
The club raises funds for the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, North Rocks.
Mrs Gray said she doesn't know how she would have survived her recent widowhood without the friends she made through the club.
"I was lucky when I first joined because I am an only child and my parents minded my children when I went to functions," Mrs Gray said.
Since it started the club had raised between $1 million and $1.5 million through functions such as lunches, coach trips and visits to a clothing shop. It is now planning a bridge day.
For Mrs Warr there is also the memory of her first visit to the blind institute.
"It was very interesting seeing the children and being amazed at what they could do," she said. "Of course these days they can do a lot more."
Former chief executive of the Royal Institute for Deaf and Blind Children, John Berryman, will also address club members.
During the luncheon children's book author Judy Townsend — who has had one of her books published in Braille — will be a guest speaker.
A retired children's teacher librarian, she sells her books on a non-profit basis using sales to fundraise for charities. Ms Townsend will sell her books at the luncheon at cost price with $2 from each copy going to charity.
The author uses hearing aids as she is hearing impaired.
The luncheon will be on Thursday, May 7, at Doltone House 223 Belgrave Esplanade, Sylvania Waters; 8543 6000.
