There is a lot happening in East Melbourne

At last, we see our new normal emerging as we return to our social and health activities. 

Following the safe return to group gatherings that began with our end-of-year party, we have now resumed our social get-together on the second Friday of each month. Our group exercise classes are again in full swing, and we have added some new wellbeing and skill-sharing groups.

The end-of-year party was held outdoors to accommodate around 50 people in a COVID safe manner. We were most fortunate to be entertained by well-known professional singers, John Lidgerwood and Alexandra Lidgerwood.

It was an evening of old favourites that had the guests singing along with Christmas cheer to Mary’s Boy Child, Oh Holy Night, White Christmas, followed by a selection of beautiful songs from Phantom of the Opera. John has had a very successful life-long career as a baritone, and Alexandra, a soprano, has worked in Australia and the UK as an opera singer. And yes, you guessed it, they are not only residents of East Melbourne but father and daughter. East Melburnians have a fantastic array of talented residents. There are plans to hold a series of concerts later in the year at Holy Trinity Church, so stay tuned.

Our first Morning Coffee event for well over a year was great fun. It was again held outdoors, and everyone enjoyed the opportunity to put on some lipstick and socialise freely in the sunshine. We dispensed with a guest speaker as there was so much news to share and chat to catch up on. On Friday, March 11, our next speaker will be Professor Marita McCabe, Research Professor and team leader, Health and Aging Research Group at Swinburne University.

Chair Yoga is one of our new health and wellbeing classes held on Mondays at 10.30am in the Powlett Community Room. Jane Donaldson is an experienced teacher who caters specifically to those with limited mobility or flexibility. This practice modifies movements to allow practising while seated on a chair and is suitable for everyone regardless of age, size or ability. It is designed to improve flexibility, mobility and muscle strength while focusing on breathing and mindfulness.

Suppose you enjoy knitting, crochet, needlework, embroidery or any other form of crafting. In that case, you’re welcome to join a new group of like-minded people who meet each Tuesday from 12.30pm to 2.30pm at Powlett Community Room. Bring along any project you may be working on and share, learn, be creative, connect and socialise with others in the community. The aim is also to organise guest artists, demonstrators and craft specialists in basket making, weaving, papier mâché and decoupage.

We also hope to organise a separate informal art workshop along the same lines, where people can work on and discuss their drawing, watercolour, pencil, and crayon projects. Please let us know if you are interested in joining.

The ukulele is an easy and fun introduction to learning a musical instrument. There are still places available to learn and develop musical skills in an encouraging and fun environment this term. Classes are held each Thursday, 3.00pm to 4.00pm at Powlett Community Room.

After discussions with the City of Melbourne, plans are in place to modernise the space. The full kitchen will be replaced with a modern kitchenette. It will have a fresh coat of paint and more up-to-date lighting. It has already had a spring clean and is now a more welcoming space. We cannot wait for works to bring the room up to contemporary, fresh standards. The Powlett Community Room is now welcoming new classes and activities every day. New ideas are sought from the community 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 Sue Henderson: [email protected]