——ooOOOoo——

LACH CELEBRATES LIFE MEMBERS

During February 2025 LACH recognised 3 members of the club who have been members since our inception year of 1984.

Peter Hopper, June Watson & Lilian Casey have been awarded Life Membership.

This is not only recognition for over 40 years with the club, but as enthusiastic participants and supporters of LACH. Between them they have joined in most activities from Caravan Club, Golf, Dine-Outs, Swimming, Social Afternoon Teas and Club Meetings. 

Congratulations Lilian, Peter & June.

——ooOOOoo——

TABLE TENNIS FINDS A NEW HOME

With renovation work in progress at the Macleod Scout Hall, our Table Tennis Group has moved to the Nets Stadium on the other side of the railway tracks.

The question to be resolved is it temporary or permanent?

You want more space, you got it!

——ooOOOoo——

CLUB ACTIVITIES – FEBRUARY 2025

Morning Melodies – Lower Plenty. / Sunday Train Trip – St Kilda Pier

Members Afternoon Tea and guest speaker, Chris, from Watsonia Physiotherapy informing us on the GLAD Program (Good Life with Arthritis – Denmark).

I do like my Ice Cream. / Dine- Out at Greensborough RSL

——ooOOOoo——

MORNING MELODIES

Contact: Judy on 9459 4863 (If no answer, leave a message and she will call you back).

——ooOOOoo——

ANOTHER DAY, ANOTHER CHRISTMAS BREAKUP PARTY

Over 30 LACH members attended the Greensborough Hotel for an enjoyable lunch with party hats, chocolates ,Christmas Crackers and corny jokes. But, it was really for the desserts of Sticky Date Pud, Cheesecake, and especially the Lemon Meringue Pie (and Ice Cream) that attracted the crowd. Thanks Merlyn for organising.

But why did Santa go to Confidence school?

… so he could improve his elf esteem.

——ooOOOoo——

CHRISTMAS BREAKUP PARTIES have started

The Golf Group held their Christmas celebrations and annual fundraiser for the OLIVIER NEWTON-JOHN Cancer Centre on Friday 6th December 2024 at the Bundoora Golf Course.

14 of our golfers played 9 holes of golf in temperatures rising to the mid 30s. After the game we all retired to the air conditioned comfort of the clubhouse for an enjoyable lunch and were joined by a number of ex players to remember the good old days. Golfers have stories like fishermen. In golf, the drives get longer, the putts fewer and everything is right down the middle.

We recommence early in 2025, If your interested in joining our friendly group give Peter a call on: 0433 604 404

——ooOOOoo——

NOVEMBER SUNDAY TRAIN TRIP – Destination Woodend

On Sunday, 10th November 2024, a number of LACH members made their way to Woodend for the monthly Train Trip. They met as usual at Rosanna Station, travelled to Southern Cross Station and then boarded V-Line, bound for Woodend. Time was spent exploring the lovely township of Woodend and indulged in a hearty Pub lunch, before the train trips home. Margaret Kent (ex Pres), made her way down from Bendigo to catch up with the group.

——ooOOOoo——

LAKE SAMBELL CARAVAN PARK, BEECHWORTH – 7-11 Oct 2024

This was the destination of the recent Caravan & Cabin Group.

Beautiful sunshine was the backdrop to our week of fun and activities. From a walking tour of the historical buildings, lunch at the bakeries, picking strawberries, a hit of golf, to a tour of the jail or just reading a book or walking through the streets or around the lake, it was a busy week. Of course highlights of the week were the daily “Happy Hours” and Dinners with the group.

A big thanks to Merlyn and Rose-Marie for organising the week.

——ooOOOoo——

“It’s always Good Weather on Fridays at Bundoora”

This is the Catch Cry of our Golfers who play 9 Holes (some do go on to play 18) of Golf each Friday at Bundoora Golf Course. There has only been 1 or 2 games where bad weather has interrupted play in the last 2 years. Today, Friday 30th August 2024 was no exception where the sun shone brightly all day.

Quite often the group attracts a large crowd of eager onlookers. Below are some of the crowd along with some of the regular golfers: Anne, Darylyn & Charlie, waiting for the gallery to clear before they tackle the 5th hole..

If you would like learn more about the group call Peter Warwick on 0433 604 404

——ooOOOoo——

LACH – NIGHT TIME DINE – OUT – 20 August 2024 – Sushi Galore

Over 20 members enjoyed the August dinner and catch-up at Sushi Galore in Heidelberg. The sizzling hot-plate, tempura and raw tuna dishes were some of the favourites on the night.

Some of the happy faces who enjoyed the night.

——ooOOOoo——

LACH DINE-OUT June 2024

The Life Activities Club of Heidelberg holds Dine-Outs on a monthly basis, one daytime and one night time at different Clubs, Pubs and Restaurants in the district. The most recent on Tuesday 18 June at the Greensborough RSL attended by 19 members of LACH. See our Newsletter for details of the next events.

——ooOOOoo——

PUFFING BILLY DAY TRIP – “All aboard – toot toot”

This LACH Day out was on Tuesday 23rd April 2024. Only a handful made the trip, but all had a great day on the Puffing Billy from Belgrave to Emerald Lake and return. with a quick stop at Menzies Creek and lunch at Emerald Lake.

——ooOOOoo——

MORNING MELODIES – Feb 2024

——ooOOOoo——

LORT SMITH ANIMAL HOSPITAL

At the LACH Afternoon Tea on 7 February 2024, members of LACH were treated to a visit by 3 representatives of the Lort Smith Animal Hospital. The main speaker, Elaine gave a short talk on the history when they cared for horses, and the work carried out by Lort Smith. She talked about their Rescue services, the Vet Clinic (with everything from health checks, to vaccinations and teeth cleaning) , and also the new Hospital and Adoption Centre in Campbellfield. Adoption and Foster Care is open to the general public.

Elaine also spoke about the other residents they have cared for, including birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, snakes, frogs, a donkey and even a turtle.

Elaine then introduced Cath and her dog Bas, a Spoodle (a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Poodle, and NO, its not a Cockerpoodle). Bas, the star of the day, was named after Basil Fawlty from Fawlty Towers.

Bas made his presence known to all members as soon as he walked into the room and got lots of pats for his reward.

Cath is an unpaid volunteer and works with Bas in the Pet Therapy Program. The Lort Smith Pet Therapy Program has been running for more than 30 years as part of their community outreach services. Volunteers take their specially assessed dogs to hospitals, justice settings and residential care services across Melbourne, providing comfort and relief to people experiencing illness, adversity, loneliness and the long-term impacts of trauma. They work regularly at the Peter Mac cancer facility and helping staff at hospitals during Covid. Bas has a special calming personality that helps relieve stress and anxiety with people they visit. Check them out at www.lortsmith.com

A small donation was made from LACH and members on the day and of course, Cake and Afternoon Tea and Coffee followed. Thanks to Len Edwards for arranging our guests. And also thanks to the LACH volunteers – Rose-Marie, David, Ronda and Peggy.

—–ooOOOoo—–

Caravan & Cabin Trip – October/November 2023

This year’s trip away was to Dromana.

There were plenty of activities to keep everyone entertained throughout the week.

From Table Tennis, to golf, walks along the beach admiring all the bathing boxes, the Eagle chairlift at Arthur’s Seat, The Point Leo Sculpture Park and a visit to the Chocolatier chocolate factory and Ice Creamery. Many ventured to Mornington to see the finalists in this year’s Archibald portrait competition and the nearby Rose Garden.

Everyone joined in the Opening Night BBQ and enjoyed the group dinner at the local Dromana Hotel. The Coffeeholics tried a few of the local cafes (some even tested the famous “Sorrento Vanilla Slice”), whilst a few spent the evenings playing the addictive Board Game “Code Names”. But, as with all trips the most enjoyable part of the trip, and noisiest, was the daily “Happy Hour”.

Well done and thanks to the organisers, Merlyn and Tony.

—–ooOOOoo—–

2023 AGM & 40th Birthday Celebrations

This years AGM was a special occasion, celebrating our 40th anniversary. We had a guest speaker, Paul, who told us all about a group he is involved with “Blokes Helping Blokes”. There was a quick meeting and then to the real business. We blew out the candles and sparklers, all sang Happy Birthday and then . . .

We all ate Cake.

—–ooOOOoo—–

LACH GOLF – May 2023

Friday 26th May 2023 was another sunny day with no wind at Bundoora Golf Course “It never rains on Fridays at Bundoora”.

We had 13 LACH golfers play our weekly 9 holes of golf. This was followed by our fundraiser “Morning Tea” (this included sausage rolls, sandwiches, cakes and scones, followed by fruit, cheese & biscuits). We were also joined by another 8 members who were unable to play on the Day.

The group raised over $350, which is donated to the “Oliver Newton-John Cancer & Wellness Centre”, which not only treat cancer but also carry out breakthrough research and clinical trials.

Click on the following link for more information: https://www.onjcancercentre.org

Well done to all those who provided morning tea, donated and joined in on the day.

Enjoying the day are Ronda Walsh, Judy McCall and Maree Caven. Judy and Maree were joint winners of the “2022 Lady’s Golf Champion Medal”. Good to see them back at golf.

——-oooOOOooo——-

TABLE TENNIS

Despite the early onset of Winter, Monday 8th May 2023, saw one of the best turnouts at LACH Table Tennis with 28 players. Competition was fierce, but always friendly and after each game the score was quickly forgotten. It is a very social morning, with players of all abilities attending.

After play is finished a number of people head to Macleod for coffee and/or lunch.

And while players waited for their next game, the troubles of the world were discussed in depth.

See the Newsletter for more information.

———oooOOOooo———

BRUCE says goodbye to DAME EDNA

At Table Tennis on Monday 24th April, Bruce arrived wearing the famous Dame Edna Everage glasses as a tribute to the passing of Barry Humphries.

——oooOOOooo——

JUNE 2022 – MEMBERS SOCIAL MEETING

• A welcome from our President, Margaret Kent for her final official duty,
• Some administrative business: Treasurer’s Report, Almoner’s Report and report on Activities,
• Advice on new convenors:
  • Bruce Hill is the new convenor for Table Tennis
  • Ronda Walsh is the new convenor for Sunday Train Travel
• A farewell presentation and Certificate of Appreciation was given to Margaret.

The members’ meeting and social gathering was held on Wednesday 22nd June 2022 with 28 members in attendance. The agenda for the day was:

• Saras was the winner of our gift card “Door Prize”.
• Finally a tasty afternoon tea of cream cakes, muffins and tea and coffee was served.

Thanks to all who made the day a great success.

oooOOOooo

28 June 2022 -Vale Margaret Dyson

We were saddened to hear that Marg Dyson passed away on Tuesday 28 June 2022.

Margaret was a long time, enthusiastic participant and supporter of the Life Activities Club Heidelberg, having joined the group in 1997. She aided and promoted (and prompted) her husband, Laurie, in his capacity on the Committee and while he served as President of LACH. She became a friend to many of the LACH members.

She was active in many of the LACH activities – Bus Trips, Solo, both day and night time Dine-Outs, Members Meetings and, the Walkers group. Margaret helped organise many of the Caravan group getaways and, with Laurie was joint convenor of the LACH Golf group for over 15 years. Many of the long term golfers recall with fond memories, the trips they arranged to Rich River on the Murray.

Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Dyson family – Laurie, Craig, Mandy and Rohan and their families.

We lost a good friend.

The LACH committee

  ————————— oooOOOooo —————————