Palmwoods craft stalwart celebrates 93rd birthday

Lillian Rice, 93, has fond memories of crossing the tracks to join in the Saturday night dances at the Palmwoods Hall.

With thanks to ‘Gratitude, a positive attitude, and an occasional tipple of gin!’

by SK Wilde

Surrounded by a lush garden rich with food and flowers, Palmwoods artist Lillian Rice just celebrated her 93rd birthday.

Inspired by her father, Charles Tomkins, Lillian’s work ethic and horticultural knowledge keep her healthy and productive. He pioneered avocados into the region, from his farm on Old Bowling Green Road.

Growing up on the farm, she remembers crossing the tracks to join in the Saturday night dances at the Palmwoods Hall.

Married at 21, Lillian and her husband Keith lived and worked on a cattle station near Blackall, for some years. In between work as a part-time cook, she home-schooled her growing family. A tragic accident claimed her first son, as a toddler, but her two remaining children grew into successful adult lives, instilled with their grandfather’s strength of character, passed on through Lillian.

Returning to Palmwoods, Lillian worked as a secretary, bookkeeper, and receptionist. For several years, respectively, she assisted local experts: herbalist Isabell Shipard, and acupuncturist Ian Schneideman. Both published authors of world renown have thanked Lillian for her contributions, in their books.

Events brought her home to the farm, where she cared for her parents, until she was finally alone.

In 1992, with Rose McGowan (now passed), Lillian co-founded the Palmwoods Creative Arts and Crafts Association. The industrious group soon outgrew their original venue in town, and relocated to Lillian’s farm.

They enjoyed the multiple barns on Lillian’s property, with dedicated spaces for the different creative disciplines, including: a range of painting mediums, pottery, dried flower arranging, patchwork quilting, hat-making, ceramic painting, basketry, folk art, and doll-making.

Lillian recalls, “It seemed like every time someone wanted to try a new art style, I put up a new shed.”

Palmwoods residents remember visiting as children, in company of their mothers who were part of the craft group. Many have fond memories of the annual craft fair – the fields transformed into a magical village of marquis, foods, plants, flowers, and – of course – art on display and for sale.

As the group’s press secretary, Lillian wrote news articles and kept meticulous albums of press clippings, photos, and memorabilia – a wealth of history and experiences that have greatly enriched this town.

With a twinkle in her eye, she acknowledges her secret to longevity, “Gratitude, a positive attitude, and an occasional tipple of gin!”