Puffing Billy chalked up half a century chugging up and down the railway line between Belgrave and Gembrook on Sunday. The Puffing Billy Preservation Society (PBPS) celebrated its 50th birthday with children singing Happy Birthday around a giant locomotive birthday cake alight with 50 candles. During the festivities, artist Bill Caldwell (above) signed a specially commissioned painting of Puffing Billy locomotive 6A, which was presented to PBPS president John Thompson.STORYTELLER John Sheills from the Dandenong Ranges Steiner School and Kindergarten last week captivated children during a storytelling session at the Berwick library.
The library arranged for John to be guest speaker because of his special techniques and ability to relate to children.
He has toured extensively with the Marionette Theatre of Australia and worked with Polyglot Puppets and the Tasmanian Puppet Theatre.
The Steiner School is a notforprofit association and the kindergarten section is registered with the Department of Human Services as a children’s services centre.
The school says it aims to meet the needs of the whole child by embracing thinking, feeling and doing as equally important aspects of child development.
BEACONSFIELD Upper Primary School students got a surprise visit recently from puppetmeister Professor D. A. Jones as a special lunchtime treat.
Due to extensive building works, staff and parents have been providing extra lunchtime interest groups to provide children with activities to compensate for their reduced play areas.
Parent Natalie Roberts knew exactly who to call for a very special lunchtime treat.
School officials said the Professor presented a funfilled magic show that was thoroughly enjoyed by children and teachers.
What happened to the days when school wasn’t fun?
FUTURE ratepayers of Kooweerup were given a chance to grill the Cardinia Shire chief executive when Don Welsh was principal for a day at the college last week.
Mr Welsh enjoyed his time at the helm, attending form assembly, working with students and providing an update on council activities in the area.
THE Grayn Restaurant in Pakenham was honoured to serve members of the Nar Nar Goon Returned Services League (RSL) for their biannual dinner during Australia Remembers Week.
The branch has 20 members who meet in the Nar Nar Goon Memorial Hall on the third Monday each month.
They also have two special family social functions each year.
The only original member still attending meetings is Joe Bramich, who is in his late 80s.
Max Murray, a Vietnam Veteran, originally joined the RSL in 1972. When he moved to Nar Nar Goon, he joined that subbranch and soon became president, a position he has held for 12 years.
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their dinner at the Grayn.
GOT a problem and don’t know where to turn?
The Kooweerup Regional Health Service is making sure help is at hand.
The Peer Support Program is provided by trained community members supported by clinical staff from Kooweerup Regional Health Service and CardiniaCasey Community Health Service.
This free assistance includes referral services, confidential and anonymous telephone support and after hours support.
Cardinia Shire councillor Doug Hamilton recently donated money from his Westernport Ward funds to help print more information cards for the program.
