The 2023 AGM gave us a shiny new Committee, with a number of new faces ready for action under the leadership of the President, Meg Lee. Notably Joan, our Secretary for the past 18 years, retired from her position, with many heartfelt thanks from the group for her very gracious contribution to the club.
After the AGM, we set off on a happy urban loop walk, from Westerfolds Park to Eltham and return. Gorgeous weather, after a heatwave the previous few days.
The Long Walkers hiked up from Westerfolds Park through the Lenister Farm wetlands and through Eltham Lower Park, taking in a cricket match on the fields. Then off for a bit of history, through the Eltham Cemetery, and on to Montsalvat. That brought back memories for many of us. There was an opportunity to soak up the surrounds, view a wedding taking place at the main building, admire the architecture, and enjoy a coffee. Return was through some of the back streets of Eltham, then back over the Yarra to return.
The Medium Walkers took a more leisurely walk past the wetlands, and on to a lovely family nature trail alongside the Diamond Creek. This took us across the narrow gauge Diamond Valley railway (seen in the Long Walkers photo above), round the playing fields of Eltham Lower Park, and down to the Pony Club grounds. We found a delightful location for lunch, with a picnic table, green grass and a beautiful eucalypt against a bright blue sky. It doesn’t come much better. Then we came for a closer look at the wetlands, inspected the very attractive bird hide (no birds currently there to view, but the possibility was enticing), and returned back over the bridge.
We stopped to view the canoe slalom course set up on the Yarra. Right on cue, a lone canoeist launched his craft, and gave us an excellent demonstration of the sport. He seemed a little surprised to be the focus of spontaneous applause from our ranks!
Back at the Conference room in Westerfolds Park, we made sure that coffee and remaining cakes went to a good home! It was a very relaxing start to the year, which is shaping up to be full of interest.
