By KATH GANNAWAY
AN ANNUAL crop of pears will be a delicious legacy of Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre’s 30th birthday celebrations.
Founding member Iris Caddy planted the pear tree, with help from centre program manager Debra Traill and president Heather Fothergill, at the community celebration on Saturday 14 February.
Community partners including the local CFA, the men’s shed and tennis club and businesses and community groups who run workshops and classes at the centre provided a full day of activities and demonstrations that highlighted the tremendous contribution the Living and Learning Centre makes to the town and district.
Debra gave a history of the centre from its beginnings in the Caddy lounge room where Iris held the first yoga classes, to its incorporation in 1985.
She thanked Iris and another pioneer Denise Miller who, along with others, sowed the seed and kept it growing.
She also thanked the present committee and all the volunteers and tutors who have been involved over the years and spoke of the many long-term friendships that had formed over the years.
Yarra Ranges Mayor Maria McCarthy and Ryrie Ward’s Cr Fiona McAllister congratulated the committee and volunteers.
Cr McAllister thanked Debra who she said was taking the centre from strength to strength, and Iris for her inspiration and vision.
“From little things, big things grow,” she said.
