Morning coffee meeting

There was once again a good turnout for the monthly East Melbourne Neighbour Network (EMNN) Morning Tea on Friday, July 8.

With intermittent showers sweeping overhead outside a good turnout of 33 well rugged-up folk were at the Henderson home for a very interesting presentation from Arthur Andronas.

Graeme Smith introduced our guest speaker, Arthur Andronas, who is a heritage architect who has won many prestigious awards for his work over the years.

Arthur said that the theme of his talk was design influence, and how ideas go around the world.

Arthur’s projects have included work on the spires of Newman Chapel, St Patrick’s Cathedral, St Paul’s Cathedral, St Mary’s Cathedral (Sydney) and Yan Yean Reservoir.

He showed aspects of the Parthenon Marbles and how Greek/Roman/Byzantine influences had found their way to England in the 18th century, and eventually to Australia.

Arthur oversaw the renovation of Queen’s Hall at the State Library, and it certainly looks worth a visit to see the “archaeology” of the building that has been uncovered in the renovation.

It was interesting to hear that a lot of old buildings, such as cathedrals, need maintenance reviews every five years if they are to last; examples throughout history of ruins that have been neglected bear testimony to this principle. 

The next meeting will be at 10.30am on Friday, August 12 at 67 Grey St, East Melbourne.

Our guest speaker is Moira Rayner, an Australian based barrister and human rights advocate. She was the third Victorian Commissioner for Equal Opportunity among many other influential positions.

Health and wellbeing program

The EMNN aims to create a thriving and inclusive community and provide a range of enjoyable activities for people of all ages. Please join us!

Mondays

• Health Qigong. Cost: $96 for eight weeks. Running to September 19, 9am to 10am. Subject to availability
• Chair Yoga. Cost: $96 for eight weeks. Running to September 19, 10.30am to 11.30am.
• Gentle Yoga. Cost: $96 for eight weeks. Running to September 19 (no class on August 8), 5.30pm to 6.30pm. There is also an option to attend class via Zoom if required.
• Book Group. This new book group has recently commenced and new members are welcome. Mondays, 7pm.

Tuesdays

• Walking Group. A medium paced walk around the neighbourhood/parks/gardens. Stop for a coffee along the way or at the end. Meeting at the Visitors Centre, Fitzroy Gardens, 8.30am to 9.30am (ongoing).
• Pilates (new class). Cost: $84 for seven weeks ($12 per session). Running until September 20, 9am to 10am.    
• Tai Chi. Cost: $90 for nine weeks. Running until September 20, 10.30am to 11.30am.

Thursdays

• Pilates. Cost: $96 for eight weeks. Presented by experienced instructor Alissia, subject to her availability. Running until September 22, with three session times: 9am to 10am, 10.30am to 11.30am and (for men) 12.30pm to 1.30pm.
• Ukulele for Beginners. The ukulele is an easy and fun introduction to learning a musical instrument. Develop musical skills in an encouraging environment where students share ideas, skills and tips. BYO ukulele or borrow one for the session. Ongoing classes, 3pm to 4pm.

Fridays

• Gentle Exercise – “Move It or Lose It”. Cost: $80 for eight weeks. These two classes focus on balance, stretching, strength and light cardio to keep you active and confident. Presented by experienced instructor, Jeff.  Ongoing classes – 9.30am and 10.45am

For further information about classes or if you have ideas on other activities you would like to participate in, please visit our Facebook page East Melbourne Connect or contact either Sue on 0402 356 533 or via email at [email protected], or Ann-Maree on 0417 173 818 or via email at [email protected]. 

All classes are held at Powlett Reserve Community Room which is located beside Powlett Reserve Children’s Centre and Kindergarten, corner of Grey and Simpson streets, East Melbourne (enter from Grey St).

No classes are conducted on public holidays and all participants must be fully vaccinated. Classes/class numbers subject to change due to COVID restrictions.

You can attend first class without commitment if you wish to check suitability.

Local event

We invite you to support our local style musical theatre. See brochure for more details.

Camelot – Sunday, August 14, 2pm at Holy Trinity Church, East Melbourne.

Duration: one hour – no interval. Cost: $20.

New ideas are sought from the community as we seek to provide additional meaningful, fun, and engaging activities for all age groups. Any resident of any age who would like to get involved – the EMNN would love to hear from you.

Your ideas and involvement will help strengthen our community and enhance the health and wellbeing of your neighbours. •

Contact Susan Henderson, Ann-Maree Eckersley or Anne Graham at [email protected]