NEWS DESK
Fence award taken in stride A FENCE made from recycled and reclaimed timber? What a good idea! That’s what Rye resident Lisa Hart thought as she and her family nailed on the eclectic range of palings. Their new front fence was taking shape and they were proud of it – despite its rather “individual” appearance. Lisa even sought help from her friends on Facebook: “Hi all, we are currently building some new fences from recycled or reclaimed timber, and we need more palings. Anything will do; it doesn’t have to be fence palings, and it can be painted or unpainted – the more character the better. “The timber needs to be over 1200mm long and not too thick, but any shape will do. So, if you see any on your travels, or have some stashed away that you no longer need, please let us know. “Here is a photo of our work so far to give you an idea.” But, it seems, not all the neighbours agreed, with a laminated note placed in their letterbox one morning saying: “Congratulations, you officially have the ugliest fence in Rye, if not the entire Mornington Peninsula!” But there’s no stopping Lisa: “Woo hoo: we won an award for our fence!” she boasted.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder: Right, the letter placed in Lisa Hart’s letterbox. Below, the front fence at the centre of the debate.
Fun times for seniors at festival activities THE autumn of one’s life need not be dull, and the Mornington Peninsula Victorian Seniors Festival program has swags of fun activities to keep everyone entertained. The mayor Cr Bev Colomb said the festival throughout late September and October offered many free and low-cost events and activities designed for older people, their families and friends. Local festival highlights include film screenings, museum displays, golf tournaments, volunteering workshops, Archibald Prize bus trip to Ballarat Art Gallery, senior citizens club activities, croquet and bowls open days, The 10th Annual Ageing Well Expo and activities at libraries and U3As. “The Seniors Festival is about getting out and getting involved in activities and events we have to offer on the peninsula,” she said. “You can try your hand at croquet, visit your lo-
cal seniors club, play a round of golf, or attend a lecture – there’s something for everyone. “The theme of this year’s festival is Celebrating Communities, recognising the great role seniors play in community life. “We are pleased to support and promote the 2015 Victorian Seniors Festival activities on the peninsula.” Download the Mornington Peninsula program at mornpen.vic.gov. au or pick up a copy from the shire offices. Public transport services are free for Victorian Seniors Card holders. Free metropolitan trams, buses and trains and regional bus services will run from Sundays 4-11 October. Free travel will be available on V/Line rail and coach services on Tuesday 6, Wednesday 7, Thursday 8, Saturday 10 and Sunday 11 October. Details: seniorsonline.vic.gov.au
Bush food workshops THOSE interested in learning about bush foods, what they are and how they can be incorporated into a farming enterprise should attend a series of workshops next month. One will be held in Mt Martha on Sunday 18 October. The Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, with the support of the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, will host the workshops across the Port Phillip and Western Port region from Thursday 15 October. Regional landcare facilitator Karen Thomas said the workshops would provide information on identifying, growing and harvesting bush foods,
as well as creating marketing opportunities for landholders. “Bush foods are creating a buzz among consumers and within the restaurant industry,” she said. Guest speakers at the workshops will include ethnobotanist and wattle seed grower Neville Bonney, representatives from the Australian Native Food Industry, Australian Agroforestry Foundation and restaurant industry. Registration is $10 with all funds going directly to the Landcare network. Details: Ms Thomas, 0427 480 170 or email karen.thomas@ppwcma.vic. gov.au
1099 Point Nepean Rd, Rosebud P: 5950 0300 www.rosebudhotel.com.au Southern Peninsula News 29 September 2015
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