THE bushfires in Tasmania brought back some searing memories for my husband Don, who was born in Hobart and has relatives living there.
I also cast my mind back to my father Rowland Hill Archer fighting bushfires in the Dandenongs and being so blinded by smoke he couldn’t see properly for three weeks.
The chemist prescribed some eye wash and my father applied it using a glass vessel.
When fires ravaged the Dandenongs there was such a pall of smoke that our chooks went to their perches at 4pm, mistaking the semi-darkness for bedtime.
Friends in need, friends indeed
Wellsprings for Women is digging deeper to reach out to isolated people in Greater Dandenong and Casey.
Greater Dandenong Council has helped with funding for a home visitation program, which has reached 35 people in these areas. They’ve been encouraged to find new friends and join social activities, including a family weekend at the Balnarring Holiday Centre.
Home visitation co-ordinator Rose Elias, presenting her detailed report for 2012, warmly voiced her gratitude to the Presentation Sisters for their financial help.
“Our recent fund-raising dinner has left us all with outstanding memories about the contribution and support of a much broader Wellsprings family.
“Our board members and I were overwhelmed to see over 200 people celebrate with us and show their commitment to Nano Nagle and Ann Halpin’s vision.
“We are also most thankful for the fund-raising activities and contribution from the grade 3 children at St Mary’s Primary School in Dandenong.”
Wellsprings for Women is at Langhorne Street, Dandenong.
Don’t scrimmage, just rummage
And just down the road at 66 Langhorne Street, Heritage Hill Museum and Historical Gardens is launching its summer season with an open day from noon- 4pm on February 4.
A suitcase rummage market will please bargain-hunters, and in the Rose Garden musos will entertain as youngsters enjoy an arts workshop.
Benga — The Hill’s 20th century house — has been transformed into a working artistic hub. Visitors can see artists busy at work in each of the new studios and take in this year’s first exhibition, My world, your world.
At the Laurel Lodge, feast your eyes on vintage fashions, especially exquisite ball gowns and party dresses.
Devonshire tea will be served in the drawing room after the tour. For catering, bookings are essential; call 9793 4511.
If you’d like to take part in the suitcase rummage and bring items to sell, visit suitcase.rummage.blogspot.com.
Do you have a milestone, memory or question for Marg? Email marg@yourweekly.com.au or post submissions to A moment with Marg, c/o Greater Dandenong Weekly, PO Box 318, Dandenong 3175
What do you think? Post a comment below.
For all the latest breaking news, stay with this website. Also, follow the Weekly at facebook.com/dandenongjournal or on Twitter @DandyJournal.
