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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