Hi everyone,

Can you believe it’s already May? Time flies!

Last week we had a great time on Sydney Road at our Op-Shop Adventure - we caught the 508 bus and went to four op shops and also stopped for lunch at The Green Refractory. Then we popped into Cheaper Buy Miles next door (as many of you know it’s my favourite grocery shop - I am always buying food for our community lunch and for catering events here).

Thanks to those who came along. It was loads of fun. And … I was super pleased with my purchase of a pair of RM Williams boots (RRP $699) for the bargain price of $20!

It was also great to start up our AAA Arts program on Friday afternoon for term 2. The group is working with dry pastel and charcoal at the moment and the products are looking beautiful!

This month we are really looking forward to our two sustainability workshops that we are running with support from the climate emergency team at Yarra Council. The first one is on Saturday 16 May and we will be learning about soil microbes and the impact on our health. And the second will be the week after on Saturday 23 May where we will be learning techniques and tips for clothes mending. Read on for more info, and don’t forget a to book in online!

Until then, we are on with all our usual programming. This week we can’t wait to see everyone back at AAA Bowls on Wednesday morning from 10am - 12pm, Garden to Plate Thursday from 11.30am - 1pm, and our first session of Community Yoga on Wednesday evening from 5.30 - 6.30pm. Community Yoga is full but we are keen for more participants in Garden to Plate and AAA Bowls if you are interested, or know someone who is.

Cheers Leanne

We are really looking forward to our two upcoming sustainability workshops!

Living Soils, Living People

The first workshop is next week on Saturday the 16th of May from 10am - 12pm. In this workshop we will be learning about soils and their microbes and how they can affect our health - from plants to our guts to even our minds. We will get to look at live microbes under a microscope and make our own microbial inoculants to take home. Perfect for the many aspiring scientists and expert gardeners in our community!

To book into this workshop, please visit our website here.

Clothes Mending

The second workshop will be the following Saturday the 23rd of May from 10am - 1pm. This workshop will focus on techniques for mending clothes. We will be learning about hand sewing and repairing basic rips, holes and various imperfections. It’s a great way to reduce waste and get some extra life out of your favourite clothes!

To book into this workshop, please visit our website here.

This week at Preserves Group we made fig jam and eggplant pickle. So yummy. Thanks for the fig donation! Thanks Fiona, for leading this session. Thanks everyone who came along. And then … thanks U3A Armchair Theatre friends - who bought up big on Wednesday afternoon when they were here! Also thanks Elaine for making our preserves look extra pretty!

There’s still lots left, so pop past if you need some condiments to brighten up your life. Also great for a gift (of course). The sales of our preserves help us run our access all abilities programs.

Next month Fiona is going to teach up how to make ‘no sugar’ berry jam … and I think we’re on the look out for chokos (if anyone has them) - apparently they are in season and Fiona has a recipe.

On Thursday we will be back with another of our awesome Thriftsavers Op-Shop Adventures! This time we will be heading over to Sydney Rd in Brunswick to peruse Savers, Vinnies and some of the smaller stores, before getting a coffee/cake together. It’s a great opportunity to connect with locals from our Alphington community and hopefully find a fashionable and sustainable bargain or two.

We had such a fun time running these tours last year and are very excited to be doing them again. Thanks Clifton Hill/North Fitzroy Community Bank for supporting these trips!

We will leave from ACC at 10am (please be here on time) and come back at 2pm on public transport (but no need to bring a myki because it’s still free for this month!). If you are interested in joining us you can book in here at this link. We would love to see you!

In Term 2 we have some great things coming up to book in to.

Our next Thrift Seekers Adventure is on Thursday 30th of April. Just $5 to explore Sydney Road together from 10am-2pm and share some morning tea. Book here.

And then we have some workshops in May for Clothes Mending and understanding microbes in our soils Living Soils, Living People. Learn how to fix your favourite jeans or other basics book here. $10 on Saturday 23rd of May from 10am-1pm. Or to understand the connection of plants, gut and mental health from our living soils book here. $10 on Saturday 16th of May from 10am-12pm.

Don’t forget that Rosie is returning with her Community Yoga classes. Join her at any level. BYO mat. Book your spot in her wonderful classes here.

And Clare’s Artful Painting and Drawing 8 week classes continue with more dates to choose from. Contact Clare directly on 0423 453 160.

We also have our 2nd Tuesday of the month Book Club starting up. Book in here. $70 for the year.