Yarraville Christmas carols
The 32nd annual Yarraville Carols in the Gardens will be hosted in the Yarraville Gardens on Saturday 20 December commencing from 6.30pm. This much-loved free community event will again feature a mass choir, the Footscray-Yarraville City Band, Western Brass and nationally acclaimed vocalists. Santa will also be making a special appearance. Concluding with a spectacular fireworks (please leave dogs at home).
■ Contact David Palmer, 0416 497 398
Heritage walks
Enjoy a leisurely one/two hour walk around Williamstown and nearby suburbs with guide John. Walks start at 9-30 am each Tuesday outside the Visitor Information Centre in Nelson Place.
■ Call John Becroft on 0418377336 for details.
Bridge club
The Williamstown Bridge Club has bridge sessions each week on Weds night at 7.25pm and Friday afternoon at 1.25pm for experienced players and a supervised session Friday 10am at Hobsons Bay Sport & Game Fishing Club, 17 Altona Road, Altona. All levels welcome and partners can be provided.
■ Sandi 0417 315 760, Alan 0430 309 255or visit www.bridgewebs.com/williamstown
Thrive: Balance and strength program for 60+
Feel stronger. Stand taller. Live steadier. Join the free 10-week Thrive program led by healthy ageing expert Dr Liz Cyarto. Past participants improved balance by 38 per cent and strength by 25 per cent— and gained confidence for everyday life. Try it for yourself! Come and try sessions are on Wed 3 Dec and Mon 8 Dec, 10–11 am at Seniors Exercise Park, Don McLean Reserve, Spotswood.
■Register: thehealthysenior@gmail.com | 0481 977 970
Westgate diabetes support group
Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at Altona bowling club at 10am.
■ Elaine, 0415 030 996
Mainly music
A music-playgroup program for kids and their carers from birth to school age. Held every Thursday from 9.30-10.30am during school terms at Westgate Baptist Community, 16 High Street, Yarraville. The cost is $7 per family, per week.
■ Jenny, 0401 651 012, Ruth, 0409 635 468 or westgatebaptist.org.au/mainlymusic/
AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club
The AeroSpeakers Toastmasters Club welcomes all who want to improve their communication, leadership and public speaking skills. Meetings are held on the first and third Thursday of every month from 7-9pm at Laverton Community Hub, 95-105 Railway Avenue, Laverton.
■ Helen, 0474 498 052, or aerospeakerstm@gmail.com
Social square dancing
Come along to the Maribyrnong Community Centre on Thursday nights from 7.30pm-10.30pm to learn social square dancing for beginners in a safe and friendly environment. The teaching is in a group but is self paced so there is no pressure to maintain a rate of learning.
■ Janine, 0421 371 883, or contact@essendonsquares.com
Chit chat Tuesdays
A ladies chit chat group which is on every Tuesday from 1.30-3pm at Louis Joel Arts and Community Centre in Altona. As an extension of this sometimes we host guest speaker events for women in the community.
■ Dione, 9398 2511 or LJAC.com.au
Williamstown seniors
The group meets every Tuesday at 1-3pm at Denis Reserve. It is a small group looking for more seniors both male and female. Members enjoy two hours of singing as well as afternoon tea. Cost is $5 for the afternoon.
■ Marlene, 0402 769 204
Altona North Combined Probus
The Altona North Combined Probus Club meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at Altona Sports Club. Includes a speaker, organised trips and outings, and a friendly atmosphere.
■ Lesley, 0414 481 442
National seniors meeting
On the first Wednesday of every month at 1.30pm, the metro west branch of national seniors meets at the Deer Park Club, with meals available to purchase. The group also holds lunches on different Fridays each month, as well as activities such as theatre visits, bus trips and more.
■ 0425 713 004, or lesley1.collins@outlook.com
Footscray CWA
Meet on the fourth Monday of every month from 7-9pm at Footscray Scout Hall next door to Footscray Police Station, 4a Hyde Street.
■ cwaofvicfootscray@gmail.com or https://www.facebook.com/CWAofVicFootscray/
Braybrook and Maidstone walking group
The Braybrook and Maidstone Neighbourhood House are holding a walking group from 9-10am every second Wednesday. The walking group is open to everyone and starts from the neighbourhood house at 113 Melon Street, Braybrook.
■ 9317 5610 or jodie@bmnh.org.au
Computer classes
Scams, MyGov, software, online shopping, banking, email, whatever. We all need to keep up with the internet, IT, computers, and changing technology. Classes every day of the week , mornings and afternoons, in Williamstown and Altona North.
■ Lynne, 9397 6168
Angling club
The Essendon Angling Club is looking for new members. If you are interested in fishing, come along and join fellow minded anglers and help our club grow strong. The club meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 7pm at the club rooms 44 The Boulevard Moonee Ponds. On the third Wednesday of the month there is also a social get together where people talk about fishing and make some great friendships.
■ president@essendonanglersclub.org.au or 0432 744 802
Laverton Bowls Club
Experience the fun and skill of lawn bowls, a game which is suitable for all ages. Laverton Bowls Club is recruiting new members, so if you are looking for a friendly atmosphere and the opportunity to bowl both socially or at pennant level Laverton is the place to be. Come to the club on Tuesday or Thursday mornings for practice beginning at 10am. All welcome at 77-87 Hall Street, Altona Meadows.
■ 9369 1034 or secretary@lavertonbowls.com.au
Musicians welcome
Do you play any percussion, brass or woodwind instruments? The Hobsons Bay City Band is seeking musicians to join their community band. Please note that rehearsals are held under the directorship of Wayne Bowden OAM every Monday evening from 7.30pm at the Spotswood South Kingsville RSL, 59 The Avenue, Spotswood.
■ Hannah Prouse, hbcityband@gmail.com or www.hbcb.org.au
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) meetings – Williamstown
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers support to anyone who wants to stop drinking. The Western Unity AA Group holds weekly in-person meetings in Williamstown. If you think you may have a drinking problem, you are welcome to attend. Friends and family members supporting a loved one are also encouraged to come along.
■ https://williamstown.aagroup.org.au/, aawilliamstown@gmail.com or 1300 222 222
Yin yoga
Yin yoga classes are running at Brooklyn Community Hall during term four. Five classes are held per-week on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. Classes are costed for community: $8 for concession, $12 for 45 min sessions and $18 for 60 min sessions.
Star Weekly readers can get a complimentary first session to try it out. Yin Yoga is a gentle, passive practice that invites stillness and subtlety – offering up powerful physical benefits by targeting the body’s connective tissues, joints, and fascia. For all bodies – stiff, sore, injured or just in need of deep release!
■ Hong 0412 112 422, yogawithhong.com
Craft, laugh and connect
Join us for a fun, calming session filled with creativity and connection. All craft styles and skill levels are welcome. Bring your favourite craft – knitting, drawing, colouring, puzzle, anything that brings you joy (no painting please).
It’s a great way to meet people, connect with your library and explore new creative activities.The craft sessions are held at Altona North Library from 1-3pm.
Free of charge and no bookings required.
■ 9932 3005, 0407 247 087 or https://www.hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au/Libraries
Mouth organ band
Yarraville Mouth Organ Band is looking for new members. Band practice is held on Friday evenings at 8pm in the band hall at 203 Williamstown Road, Yarraville. For great music in a friendly atmosphere feel free to call in one Friday evening.
■ Heather 9399 2190 or ymob1933@yahoo.com.au
