Well we were back with a bang last week. It feels like the holidays are a distant memory already!

On Monday evening I went to a farewell event for Councillor Amanda Stone, who has been on Yarra Council for 15 years. She has been a wonderful supporter of neighbourhood houses and is generally a lovely person - we will miss her, and we wish her all the best in her next endeavours. It was really amazing to see the contribution and connections she has made across Yarra over her time with Council - not just across the community but also with Councillors and Council staff. Congratulations Amanda, truly, on all that you have achieved in this sometimes (I am 100% sure) thankless role.

Back at home … it was lovely to see everyone again on Friday for craft, gardening and lunch.

And Thursday evening was fun - it was super to welcome a couple of new faces to Alphington Arts, where we did gelli plate printing. Lots of fun. LOTS of mess!

On Saturday afternoon we had 6 students come along to our VCE Study Help session - and a generous volunteer, Jessy, came along to supervise. She lives locally and is a teacher. Thanks so much Jessy. We have another session this Saturday and next … if you know anyone who is in the middle of VCE let them know they can book in. BYO practise exam.

The CWA craft group also met on Saturday afternoon - preparing for Christmas market sales. They are amazing fundraisers … and will have a stall at our Christmas Makers Market coming up on Saturday 23 November - so you will be able to come along and buy a lovely home crafted gift (or two) from them.

This week Kalimna and I will have our heads down focusing on preparing the paperwork and presentation for the AGM coming up on Monday 28 October at 6.30pm. Jill will be back in the office this week getting ready for AAA Bowls to resume next week on Wednesday 23 October. Clare will be starting up her Art and Drawing classes on Monday afternoon and Thursday evenings, and also recommencing our AAA Arts program on Friday afternoons.

We also have a busy day Tuesday with Preserves Group from 1pm and Movie Club at night. We’ll be seeing There’s Still Tomorrow at 8pm at Westgarth Cinema if you’d like to come along. It’s part of the Italian Film Festival.

Please note the posts below … Armchair Theatre are looking for some new members and a reminder about Alphington Open Studios, coming up at the end of November.

I look forward to seeing you soon.

Leanne