We welcomed another new member this meeting. Di Scheepers found us on Facebook and now her she is a fully signed up member.  This is the new world of Social Media, it does work. 

 

She has been active already at Australia Day and Donations in Kind.  Di has the classification of Asset Planning and is on the Projects committee.  Her mentor is David Button.  She is happy to be with us she was felt welcomed from day one.  She is honoured to be a member and is looking forward to the fellowship.

District Grant Applications are due in the end of May.  If anyone has and ideas for a NEW project please see David Button.  There are strict criteria for an application to be successful.

 

The Board is meeting Monday 17th April 7.30pm at the Caulfield residence.  All members are welcome to attend.

 

Bowling bus leaves from Percy Trewin Reserve at 6pm on Wednesday.  It's opposite the Narre Warren Police Station.  Flat sole shoes are needed for bowling.

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This week we heard all about Wilson Botanic Park.  Lex Niebboer has been supervisor at Wilson Botanic Park since 1987.  He has overseen the transformation of a 117 year old bluestone quarry to the fantastic place it is today. 

 

The park is 40 hectares and was officially opened in 1992. It is still a work in progress with new plantings of exotic and native happening all the time.

There are 3 lakes that are home to a multitude of bird and animal life.  Some of the challenges of growing a garden in this area is lots of rocks, steep slopes and heavy clay soils.  Significant fossils have been found in the rock showing the area was much warmer millions of years ago.

 

The RC Berwick has a Magnolia Grandiflora planted near the water lily garden in 1992.  It was when the International Convention was in Melbourne.  The clubs of Berwick (Victoria), Berwick on Tweed (UK) and Berwick (Pennsylvania) jointly planted it.  It is still there.

 

Lex said that despite some difficulties in developing a garden is a disused quarry, there are many positives. PPPPPs!
Look to the Past, embrace the Present, and plan for the Phuture (future), with Passion, and Perseverance.

Thanks to Lex and his team for providing Berwick with this wonderful space.

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Exciting news about the Coles trolley bay and coin collection boxes. 

 

The Eden Rise store is coming along slowly and Coles management is very happy with it.  From this they have offered to have boxes in 11 stores in the area. 

 

We will be starting smaller with boxes at the registers in 5 of the biggest stores.  They will be in Eden Rise, Berwick, Casey Central, Parkhill Plaza and Fountain Gate.

Volunteers are needed to collect the money on a regular basis, every 2-3 weeks only per store.  Please see Trevor Bailey if you can help.  When you do it is up to you and will only take half an hour or so each time.  Schedule it in for when you do your shopping.

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The Holland Festival exceeded all expectations.  The numbers attending where overwhelming with all the food vendors selling out early.  There were some grumpy people but most seemed to enjoy it.  Luckily the weather held out for most of the day before the storm hit.

Our own member volunteers worked hard in set up and pull down, the ticket booth, car parking, gate entry and games.  There were over 80 volunteers there on the day.

Well done to the RC Monash for their organisation as a first time for the festival.

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The Cardinia Presbyterian Church held their annual harvest service last Sunday.  The small and aging congregation welcomed Pres Mark and Isobel to their service.

Goods and cash were gratefully received on behalf of the Benevolent Society. 

 

They will be handed over to the Casey North Community and Information Service for distribution to those in need.