Hi Kalimna here.

I just booked myself a place in the upcoming Chai Tea Workshop which is on Saturday 8 May (the day before Mother’s Day).

I am a huge fan of chai tea so the idea of learning how to make it myself is really appealing.

Watch out friends - I suspect Kalimna’s Chai Blend may become the Christmas gifts for those I most love!

I am particularly interested in this workshop because I am fostering a beginners interest in Ayurveda, the worlds oldest holistic healing system. Developed in India it is the belief that health and wellness depend on the delicate balance of mind, body and spirit. I may never master yoga - but I am keen to embrace the understanding of eating for better health.

Here is a link to chai and why it can be good for you to drink according to ideals in Ayurveda.

I know Manu who is running the workshop from her volunteer work at the Community Centre and can attest to what an excellent cook she is through the Preserves Group (and sometimes she even brings us lunch - very lucky us!).

So I hope to see you there as we learn to blend and brew some lovely chai together.

Inspired? You can book in here.

University of the Third Age U3A Darebin is an organisation for people over 50 who are not in full-time paid employment and who wish to keep their minds and bodies active.

U3A is about sharing skills and interests, enabling people to enjoy low cost educational, creative, social and leisure activities in a relaxed environment.

U3A runs a host of activities across the neighbourhood catering for a wide variety of interests - from history walks to play reading (like Armchair Theatre that runs here at ACC each Wednesday afternoon).

If you are keen to find out more, you might like to attend the upcoming U3A Darebin afternoon tea. It is on at 2pm on Monday 12 April at 16a Bent Street in Thornbury.

This is a catered event so please register to ensure there is enough food for everyone to eat.

Email here to confirm you attendance or ring the office and talk to someone or leave a message.

The U3A Darebin office is at Fairfield Station and is open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 10:15am-12pm.

Keen? Please BYO cup.

A few weeks ago I knitted a little purple square and am feeling quite proud when I see it incorporated in our lovely yarn bombed handrails out the front of ACC.

Of course I do realise that it is only one of many … but it’s nice to have contributed!

Thanks Anne and Glenda for taking the time to add a bit of home crafted love to our centre.

If you are keen to join in low key yarn bombing or to learn how to sew and stitch - Anne’s is a willing teacher if you need some advice … we’d love to see you at ACC on a Friday morning. Come along and join in from 10-11.30am, and then stay for morning tea on the corner at 11.30am.

At ACC we offer a range of regular musical experiences. If you are keen to share music making and make neighbourhood friends along the way, you can join up for lessons or group experiences …

Choir - because our venue is too small in COVID times the Alphingtones Choir is now meeting at St Andrew’s Church in Duncan Street just behind Station Street. If you are keen to join up just click here to email them.

Harp - Jane’s harp group is for people wanting to have a go. No experience is necessary. Jane will lead you through a group music making experience with this beautiful instrument. Please contact Jane here if you are interested.

Ukulele - our uke group is an experienced group that plays together for practice and fun each Monday evening. And they sometimes do performances! New members are welcome. You can join up here.

Guitar - Matthew teaches in schools by day and then shares his love of music with locals at ACC in the early evening. If you are keen to learn guitar give him a call. He is very nice!

Okay. Hooray! We think the mural for our new podcasting studio, The Cupboard is finito. Finally (surely by now we’d know that these things always take longer than expected).

So … when we get back from holidays we’ll buy the podcasting equipment … build a webpage for bookings etc. and then officially launch what we know will be a fabulous community resource.

If you think you might be interested in using The Cupboard for a one off recording or a more regular gig you can register your interest here.

Thanks Clifton Hill and North Fitzroy Community Bank for supporting this. It’s going to be great and we are super excited!