Watsonia50splusclub BBQ and Commencement Dates for 2026
We had 85 members enjoy our Christmas BBQ on Thursday, 18 December 2025. Originally planned as an outdoor event in the park, a forecast of 38 degrees prompted us to move indoors.
Russell and Rob, with the members, kindly organised the round tables and chairs in the hall. A big thank you to John, Roger, and Ross for expertly grilling the sausages and onions, and to our incredible team of ladies for preparing the ice cream and delicious homemade fruit salad.
We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the New Year.
On behalf of the Committee, I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a safe and Happy New Year.
Dennis Richards
President
Commencement Dates for 2026:
| Monday 12 January | Cards 12.00 pm / Bowls 1.00 pm |
| Thursday 15 January | Aerobic commences at 10.30 (Screen)
Cards 12.00 pm / Bowls 1.00 pm |
| Saturday 17 January | Cards and Bowls 1 pm to 4 pm |
| Monday 19 January | Cards 12.00 pm / Bowls 1.00 pm |
| Wednesday 21 January | Table Tennis and Scrabble commence 1.00 pm |
| Thursday 22 January | Aerobics commences at 10.30 am (Screen)
Cards 12.00pm / Bowls 1.00 pm |
| Saturday 24 January | Cards and Bowls 1 pm to 4 pm |
| Monday 26 January | Cards 12.00 pm / Bowls 1.00 pm |
| Wednesday 28 January | Table Tennis and Scrabble commence 1.00 pm |
| Thursday 29 January | Aerobics commences at 10.30 am (Screen)
Cards 12.00 pm / Bowls 1.00 pm |
| Saturday 31 January | Cards and Bowls 1 pm to 4 pm |
| FEBRUARY | NORMAL TIMETABLE RESUMES, CRAFT AND TAI CHI BEGIN AND AEROBICS WITH INSTRUCTOR AT 10 AM, |
Bus Outing to Rippon Lea
Rippon Lea Visit
Tuesday 24 March 2026
Members: $80.00
Non-Members: $90.00
Rippon Lea is a beautiful Victorian mansion and heritage-listed historic house set within magnificent gardens.
We will enjoy a guided tour of the house, both upstairs and downstairs.
For those who do not wish to go upstairs, lunch will be at the Elsternwick Hotel.
Payment Due: 3 March 2026
Preferred payment method: Bank Transfer
Watsonia 50 Plus Club
BSB: 633 000
Account No: 162 498 554
Reference: Please include your name and “Rippon Lea”
Non-Members
Please email your name and telephone number (for emergency contact purposes) to:
[email protected]
Cash Payments
If paying by cash, please place the money in an envelope and put it in the White Box on the notice board in the
Watsonia Hall, 35 Lambourn Road, Watsonia
Please ensure your name and “Rippon Lea” are clearly written on the envelope.
Parliament House Tuesday 21 April or 28 April 2026
Proposed Trip to Parliament House – April 2026
We are planning a trip to Parliament House in April 2026. The exact date will be confirmed in mid-January 2026, once the parliamentary sitting dates are released. At this stage, the visit will likely take place on Tuesday, 21 April or Tuesday, 28 April 2026.
Cost:
-
Members: $85.00
-
Non-members: $90.00
The day will include a delightful High Tea, featuring a tiered stand of finger foods—sandwiches, scones, and cakes—accompanied by your choice of tea, coffee, wine, or soft drink. I’m reliably informed (straight from the horse’s mouth!) that a two-person tier is more than sufficient for two people.
Following morning tea, we will enjoy a guided tour of Parliament House.
At this stage, we plan to travel by train.
Liz will provide further details, including the confirmed date, as soon as they become available.
Melbourne Arts Centre Tour
Melbourne Arts Centre Tour
Tuesday, 26 May 2026
Cost
Members: $25.00
Non-Members: $25.00
Enjoy a guided tour of the Melbourne Arts Centre, a renowned complex of theatres and concert halls.
The tour includes:
Exploring Hamer Hall’s stunning gold and amber interiors
Crossing to the theatre building to view the foyers and auditoriums
Tours are capped at 20 people. The Arts Centre will endeavour to accommodate us if we have a larger group.
A sign-up sheet will be placed on the notice board in the hall for those wishing to attend, allowing bookings to be confirmed with the Arts Centre.
Lunch
Lunch will be either at the venue or in the city (to be confirmed).
Transport
At this stage, we will travel by train.
Payment Details
Payment due: 5 May 2026
Preferred method: Bank transfer
Watsonia 50 Plus Club – Direct Payment
BSB: 633 000
Account No: 162 498 554
Reference: Your Name – Melbourne Arts Centre
Non-Members
Please email your name and telephone number (for emergency contact purposes) to:
📧 [email protected]
Cash Payments
If paying by cash:
Place the money in an envelope
Clearly write your name and “Melbourne Arts Centre” on the envelope
Place it in the White Box on the notice board at
Watsonia Hall, 35 Lambourn Road, Watsonia