Twenty-one Junior Members and eighteen adults attended a two day and one night stay at Umina B&B early in January. They came from Boorhaman, Carinya, Glenelg, Harcourt, Keilor Downs, Mooroolbark, Pine Lodge, Portland, Ringwood, Rochester, Rodney, Stradbroke and Wodonga.

Everyone was welcomed, given an itinerary and then a tour of the premises.  Some of the adults assisted the coordinator prepare quiche and salad, followed by fruit salad and cream, for lunch.  Everyone went en masse to the tram stop.  The tram driver wasn’t impressed that he had to wait for the second green light before all were on board!  In Lonsdale Street the group went right instead of left to catch the bus to the Collingwood Children’s Farm, but soon discovered this mistake. (Olivia (Rodney) - I had a very fun time at the Children’s Farm).  It was then back to Lansell Road for a craft activity.  Led by two Rodney members, the girls made lovely beaded bracelets.  The adult helpers set up some toppings and bases for pizzas.  The girls then made their own pizzas which created some very interesting combinations!  This was followed by a peach sundae.  Games and improvised music in the Craft room were after dinner activities.

After breakfast (and bed stripping) next morning it was off again to the tram stop. This tram driver had a good laugh while she waited for the second green light.  Thanks to some fast talking at Flinders Street Station gates, luggage was left at Travellers Aid.  Then it was off to Southbank (Gwen (Mooroopna) - I think the lolly shop was nearly cleaned out of its stock) before boarding the ferry to Williamstown.  (Emily (Rodney) - My favourite thing was the ferry ride down the Yarra River) (Laura (Rodney) - I liked going on the ferry because I was at the back and took some amazing photos).  Everyone had lunch at Williamstown.  (Gwen (Mooroopna) - Mouth watering fresh fish and crunchy chips, the only problem being that the owners have heard of ‘slow food’, so some of us ended up eating ours on the way back to Science Works).  After visiting Science Works Museum everyone boarded the ferry, travelled back to Southbank and said their farewells.  (Olivia (Rodney)- I made lots of new friends and had a great time)

Thank you to all who attended and especially those who offered extra assistance.  Thank you Junior Members for being such a delightful group.  I hope you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did!

Gwen Jensen (Mooroopna)

Coordinator