Chocolaterie in Yarra Glen

On 26th October thirty-six members and friends went on a trip to the Yarra Valley. We visited the Chocolaterie in Yarra Glen, where we had a wonderful morning tea, which included a huge scone, jam, cream and a hot drink of our choice. I have to say that it was a struggle to finish the delicious scone!

We then had a wander around their shop where many had the opportunity to purchase chocolate products.

Alowyn Gardens Nursery was our next stop which seemed to stretch over some acreage. They had an enormous variety of plants, trees etc. The highlights were several wisteria arches which were stunning, many photos were taken, and the grounds featured some amazing topiary.

Many plant purchases were made.

Next, we moved on to Killara Estate Winery for lunch (which is family owned), we enjoyed antipasto, pizzas and cannelloni, where we had plenty to eat. For those of us who were interested there was wine tasting. We then left for home after having a lovely day out full of variety where there was something for everyone.

Day trip to the Jewish Synagogue and Museum in St. Kilda June 2021

An exuberant group of Traralgon Probus Combined Members were picked up by bus at Sale, Traralgon & Trafalgar for a Day trip to St Kilda to visit a Jewish Synagogue & Museum. The weather was a little crisp on the outside but warm on the bus.

Morning Tea stop was at a public rest area just before Gumbuya Park. Bus driver Graham had the bus billy working and soon everyone had a hot cup of tea or coffee in their hands, some bickies.

After morning tea, back on the Bus to the Hallam Pub for an early excellent lunch.

 On the bus again at one o’clock to St Kilda. Arrived a little early, traffic was easier than expected, so had some time to kill. It was here we also had 4 Melbourne friends of Mary who joined us on the bus. It wasn’t long before one of the guides for the afternoon had arrived and gave us our itinerary for the following few hours, and also gave us a back ground into the Jewish History in Melbourne. First visit was the Synagogue with all the men having to wear a head covering, either their own hat/cap or were given a yarmulke (Yiddish) or Kippah ( Hebrew) skullcap before entering, we were seated in the synagogue and told of their traditions and Jewish seating arrangements by the Guides and answered any questions that were raised, it was a very eye opening experience, on leaving the synagogue we were split into three separate groups of approx. 13 and led across the road to the museum, each with their own guide.

On entering the Museum each group went into different areas with the guide explaining all the different displays and histories of the Jewish culture, religion and persecutions.

Over the time there the groups crisscrossed into the different areas.

We all came away with a better-informed appreciation of the Jewish Life and traditions, and the reasons why they look and dress as they do, especially in the ultra-orthodox area.

The tour covered a lot time and therefore there was little time available to view and appreciate all the displays at one’s own leisure, but all in all a very informative day out.

 With every one back on the bus it was time to head home, as it was getting late there was a whistle stop at Officer and a chance to buy some eats and drink to fill our bellies for the rest of the trip home.

It was an Excellent day trip albeit a very long one.