Who’ s been talking … Victoria? Boroondara Group
2015
Glenyse Pianta, LO
Left to right: Veronica, Kris, Catherine, Jenny, Helen and myself, Glenyse
The Boroondara Group of twelve is in the city of Boroondara in Melbourne ' s inner and middle-eastern suburbs, five kilometres east of the central business district. The city was created in 1994 when the cities of Kew, Hawthorn and Camberwell were amalgamated. [ I hope this answers any questions of where we fit into the network.]
This year we met on January 14 to acknowledge Kris Jennings’ leadership over the past years, to say thanks for her many contributions in this role and to plan our year’ s events. We loved the printed booklet of 2014 and actually borrowed some discussion ideas! Thank you for such a wonderful publication.
Saturday February 7 saw us enjoy a City of Stonnington‘ Music in the Park’ picnic evening in Prahan’ s Victoria Gardens. Australian Opera star Cheryl Barker delighted everyone. [ Sadly not I as I had just broken several bones in my wrist the night before!]
March 12 was a newspaper discussion evening at Veronica’ s home. The range of topics, articles, magazines, journals and newspapers ensured lively exchanges of ideas and promoted many thoughtful and insightful responses.
April 9 was‘ Show and Tell’ at my place. Everyone brought a significant object to share. Amazing items, explanations and reminiscences took us on incredible journeys around Australia and the world! Fabulous stories and family histories went back centuries – we handled exquisite handmade family christening gowns and clothing, china, silver, a piece of the Berlin Wall, a treasured ring and stories of love, war and even Ned Kelly.
May 6 it was a book discussion at Michele S’ s home – another fabulous evening of insight, wonderings and laughter! Michele and I had read and enjoyed the same author- amazingly I had brought the first book to discuss and Michele had brought the sequel!
6 of our group of 12 at Veronica’ s home at our first discussion night of 2015.
Catherine was our hostess on June 11 when we discussed‘ Alcohol- the effects on society today.’ A topic we‘ stole’ and one that led down many interesting paths. It is so stimulating to listen to everyone’ s slant and to hear each thought provoking comment.
Christmas in July, Saturday 11, was a magical afternoon at Jenny’ s home, surrounded by her beautiful Edna Walling garden, in Kallista in The Dandenongs. It was too cold and wet to be outside but sitting snugly inside was delightful. This year saw the introduction of a $ 5 Kris Kringle! It was fun and laughter filled as people often chose to‘ steal’ gifts rather than select from under the tree. Many presents changed hands! Once again the ingenuity and creativity of every member came to the fore. Our delicious nibbles and roast turkey were complemented by Joella’ s absolutely wonderful pumpkim pie and Jenny’ s brandy sauce. I was also able to report on the wonderful lunch I had attended in Sydney on July 4.
August 12 was another interesting night when we discussed feminism and the role and representation of women today in top executive and leadership positions in Australia. We certainly had lots to say and got very much off track!
It has been a very busy year as usual and one filled with friendship and support for each other. We look forward to hearing about every group’ s year.
Glenyse
Those absent: Joella, the 2 Micheles, Wendy, Eden & Trish
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