By BEN CAMERON
Pakenham residents can start getting excited about two big events coming up, which are partially funded by Cardinia Shire Council.
Next month, Pakenham Red Cross will celebrate 100 years of the national branch with a high tea at Meadowvale Village on 27 August from 2pm, assisted by a $600 grant from the council.
While the branch operated during both world wars, branch president Lyn Stephenson said operations began in earnest in 1958.
“It (the grant) will really make a difference,” she said.
“It will help with preparations.
“We’ll have a guest speaker from Red Cross Australia Anne McArthur, some entertainment with a member singing, while Ernie Dingle will provide a display of Red Cross memorabilia from years gone by.
“It will be a great day to celebrate our past members who have done so much in the past.”
In time for celebrations, the club has unearthed an annual report from 1940/41 which provided an insight into wartime fundraising.
“The branch raffled a diamond ring which fetched £75.16s,” Lyn said, “£28 which were raised at the Pakenham Show. They had 45 members that year.”
Today, the club has approximately 20 members and is on the lookout for more.
Meanwhile, the council also provided $1500 for the Pakenham Pony Club to assist with expenses to run the Pakenham Horse Trials in March next year at the Huxtable Road Reserve in Pakenham Upper.
To attend the Pakenham Red Cross event, get more information or to simply join, call secretary Meryl Waterhouse on 5941 1306.
