shut before hot day

SATURDAY’S autumn heat burst was the hottest day of the year and only the second day above 40C in the past four months.

Charlton weather station recorded a temperature of 40.1, just a whisker below 40.2 recorded on Boxing Day. Bendigo recorded 37.2 and Maryborough 37.8.

But the Loddon swimming pools were closed after the official end of the season the previous long weekend.

Loddon Shire was asked whether it had considered extending the season when the Bureau of Meteorology issued the forecast for last weekend’s hot burst.

Meanwhile, manager of the shire’s five pools Belgravia Leisure said the summer season had been a success.

“We had 11 community groups make use of the pool this season and 28 events were held across the shire with movie nights, including Mitiamo’s first on the back of community feedback, inflatable days, lawn games events and Australia Day events,” said seasonal pools manager Kai Nielsen.

“VicSwim was held at Inglewood, Wedderburn, Pyramid Hill and Mitiamo with great enrolments.

“Attendances were significantly up at all pools, this was very encouraging considering the cooler than usual weather in December.”

He said Inglewood and Districts Health Service ran water aerobics classes at Inglewood and Wedderburn, which saw a huge boost in attendance numbers and has cemented itself as a very popular way to keep fit and healthy amongst the local communities.

Dianne is also planning a longer expedition in July and August to destinations still to be decided after returning from a trip north using more contemporary modes of transport.

“That will be the big trip for the year with Harry and China,” Dianne said.

Capped fares

NEW V/Line capped fares for regional Victoria start next Friday - $9.20 for a full fare or $4.60 for a concession and $6.70 and $3.35 at weekends and public holidays.