Seniors to party in the garden

NATURE lovers and social butterflies alike are invited to celebrate the Victorian Seniors Festival on the morning of Thursday 10 October in the lush surrounds of one of Bendigo’s best kept secrets – the Long Gully Community Garden.

The party will showcase the work of the community in creating and maintaining the garden, which takes up an acre of land on Energetic Street and was established in 2002 to increase local pride and identity, health and wellbeing.

The Garden’s facilitator Jonathan Ridnell described it as a park.

“The garden beds are all there growing different produce but the lawns are mowed and the trees are trimmed, so it’s a good venue for a party,” he said.

He said the event is suitable for “anyone within cooee” who’d like to come and socialise, have a sing-along and enjoy a good cup of coffee in a nice environment.

“There’ll be a morning tea as well, basically slices and sandwiches,” he said. “I’m very proud because we’ll be having scones with cream and marmalade that were made by volunteers at the Neighbourhood Centre with community garden oranges.”

Mr Ridnell said silly hats are very much encouraged on the day as a conversation starter.

“And of course, with Spring Racing Season about to get underway, it’s almost your Victorian duty to wear a funny hat at some stage in the next couple of months isn’t it?” he said.

Further information is available on the Seniors Online Victoria website.