With a fabulous donation of Tahitian limes this month we’ll be exploring citrus based recipes in preserves group. In particular we’ll be:

• Dehydrating limes to add a fancy twist to a cocktail/mocktail

• Cooking up a batch of marmalade, and

• Packing some preserved limes.

Join us this Tuesday afternoon in the kitchen from 1pm. It’s great way to meet other locals - and help us fundraise.

The (now) annual Yarra Neighbourhood House Network thank you lunch for volunteers was on this Saturday - rounding up National Volunteer Week.

It was lovely that some of our committee and fabulous volunteers got to meet other volunteers across Yarra, and enjoy lunch and music and chatting.

The event was also attended by key staff and Councillors from Yarra which was super.

At ACC we have so many people who do big and little things to help each week - from coordinating their book club to teaching line dancing … to dropping off the money, helping out at our markets, knitting, cooking, setting up toy library … providing extra support for participants for our access all abilities programs … and of course being on our committee of governance to help guide our strategic direction.

So … thanks so much to EVERYONE who puts time and energy into ACC. We really appreciate it!

What a lovely, connected community we live in!

Another fabulous year of carol singing last night - Jan (our unflagging and entertaining host) and Jan (on piano for the first time) led a packed out Alphington Bowls Club audience through nearly every song in the ACC songbook once again. You never miss out on your favourite carol at this event - because they all get sung 🎵.

And it was just lovely to hear our local choir The Alphingtones perform. They sounded gorgeous.

Thanks David for your bagpiping … and Anne - always a powerhouse behind the scenes. And Mish for her running around! And Geoff (secret Santa business).

And everyone who comes along every year and contributes by leading a carol etc.

These carols have been running for around 40 years … and have been hosted at the Scout Hall, in the outdoor amphitheatre at Kate’s house (1 View Street) and now at Alphington Bowls Club. Last night I heard someone say they typed up the original songbook! Amazing.

And we raised about $275 through our gold coin donations. This year we’ll support some people doing it tough through The Salvos.

Merry Christmas.

Thanks everyone who came along! Thanks everyone who helped out!

It was a fabulous end to the year for us - glorious weather, amazing company and yummy food.

This coming weekend. Do your Christmas shopping locally this year with us and our crew of local makers - we’ve got about 25 stalls booked and the weather is look A-OK.

Whilst you’re here you can grab a bite from the BBQ - our friends from Ivanhoe Rotary are going to be cooking up a storm! And you can be a part of our new community arts ‘hill of dreams’ project … it involves solar lights, contact and cellophane - and sharpie pens … and should make a great addition to our neighbourhood over summer …

Come along to find out more! And help us support the micro-businesses in our community as you shop for loved ones.