AFTER attending a friend’s funeral in August 2007, a group of Heathcote couples decided to meet up for a meal.<\/p>\n
From that gathering, the group has grown in numbers and meet up twice a year.<\/p>\n
“Several of us were talking after we attended Nette Manton’s funeral,” said Grant Baker.<\/p>\n
“Someone suggested we meet up for a meal.<\/p>\n
“Upon hearing about it, other couples contacted us and said they would like to come along. “After that we decided to meet every May and October.”<\/p>\n
Some attendees attended school together in Heathcote while others met through the local football team from the ’50s onward.<\/p>\n
As more people joined the gatherings, the group decided they should give themselves a name.<\/p>\n
“We named ourselves ‘The Heathcote Ites’,” said Mr Baker.<\/p>\n
“Over a meal we share photos and memories of our early days in Heathcote.<\/p>\n
“We’ve had ex-residents come from as far away as Western Australia, Tasmania and all across Victoria.<\/p>\n
“My wife Heather and I still live in Heathcote and there are a few others too.”<\/p>\n
The group holds their meetings at the Bendigo RSL where a section of the dining area is set aside for them.<\/p>\n
“It is always an informal gathering and people mingle, swapping seats throughout so they can talk to everyone,” said Mr Baker. “At times we’ve had 50 or 60 people attending.<\/p>\n
“We never know how many will come but it’s always good to catch up with whoever can make it.”<\/p>\n
The next gathering will be on Tuesday 21 May at the Bendigo RSL starting at 12noon.<\/p>\n
“Anyone who would like to attend will be made very welcome,” said Mr Baker.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
AFTER attending a friend’s funeral in August 2007, a group of Heathcote couples decided to meet up for a meal. From that gathering, the group has grown in numbers and meet up twice a year. “Several of us were talking after we attended Nette Manton’s funeral,” said Grant Baker. “Someone suggested we meet up for […]<\/p>\n