One of the Sydney Royal Easter Show’s most popular attractions, the NSW Country Women’s Association’s tearooms, have been closed because its volunteers contracted COVID-19.
The news came as the show nudged capacity on Monday morning, just 1500 shy of hitting its daily limit of 80,000 visitors.
Volunteers at the Easter Show last year baking scones.Credit:Nick Moir
In an announcement on Facebook on Monday morning, the CWA’s Tracy Bonfante said that its catering committee had decided to close the tea room at the show.
That means record crowds will have to do without scones with jam and cream at the show today and tomorrow, the last day of the 2022 show.
“As you all know it takes enormous Woman and Man Power to operate this important annual event. And like many businesses and organisations we have been impacted by COVID,” Bonfante wrote.
Daily sales of scones can reach more than 5000. Staffed by CWA volunteers from across NSW, the tearooms are a major source of fundraising for the CWA.
On Good Friday in 2018, they made 5124 scones. In 2017, they made 53,872 scones over the two weeks.
CWA volunteer Dianna Whitton said the news was unfortunate. “So many people get to know the CWA because of its scones, jam and cream. It is a great introduction to the public – but we do so much more.”
On Facebook, CWA members wished a speedy recovery to all who were unwell. “Great effort to you all,” wrote a member. She said as a small business owner, she understood their plight. “The demand is there, but the staff volunteers are not. It can be quite heartbreaking.”
Easter Show closes in on capacity – but no scones today
Source: Philippines Alive
