But, the secret was finally revealed on Wednesday when popular member Lorraine Gardiner had Life Membership bestowed upon her at the branch’s luncheon.

She is only the third person in the club to receive the CWA honour – and the woman, well-known in Scone and Aberdeen, was stunned by the announcement.

“What a surprise,” Mrs Gardiner said.

“Thank you very much for organising this [Life Membership].

“I enjoy CWA immensely.

“I like to help people whenever I can – and I’ve been doing it since 1971.

“Maybe I need to take a break,” she added with a laugh.

“But, seriously, CWA has given me a great life.”

Scone & District branch president Anne McPhee admitted it had been hard to keep Mrs Gardiner “out of the loop” in regards to her latest acclaim.

“I think we’ve done well, considering Lorraine is the vice-president and a patron of the club,” she told the Advocate.

“I honestly don’t think she knew about it.

“However, it’s certainly well-deserved.”

Mrs Gardiner first joined the CWA as a member of the Younger Set Muswellbrook branch in 1960 – and remained there until 1962, when she transferred due to work commitments.

On January 9, 1977, she linked up with the Aberdeen CWA.

She was a very active member of the branch, attending meetings regularly and participating enthusiastically in functions as well as taking on the positions of assistant secretary (1988-1991), branch secretary (1992-1995), branch president (1998-2003) and a delegate to four State Conferences.

In 1997, Mrs Gardiner was presented with a Bar for Long Service by the Aberdeen branch.

Three years later, she was elected as a vice-president of the Hunter River Group, a role she held until the end of 2003.

Mrs Gardiner transferred to the Scone & District branch in October 2007.

Since then, she has been actively involved with the group.

“As a long-serving and loyal member of the CWA, Lorraine is steeped in the traditions and procedures of the association,” Mrs McPhee said.

“She’s highly-respected by everyone – and supportive of branch activities.

“She has a vast knowledge of the CWA and readily gives calm, rational, commonsense advice when called upon to answer questions on rules, procedures and the CWA way.

“Lorraine is always friendly and welcoming to members, old and new.

“She readily pitches in producing delicious dishes, slices and sandwiches for our catering engagements; and lends a helping hand to organise our various activities.

“She has outstanding talents in a variety of handicraft techniques and patiently teaches others how to do them.

“Lorraine’s also been active in other local community organisations for many years – and is held in high regard throughout the Scone district.”