Leith Park and Liscombe House: Celebrate 150 years with music, exercise, tours and fun

Leith Park and Liscombe House: Celebrate 150 years with music, exercise, tours and fun

Sunday 20 October

1pm – 3.30pm

339 St Helena Road. St Helena 3088

What better way to celebrate 150 years than good old fashioned community entertainment and the chance to catch up with old and new friends?

Leith Park retirement village and the award-winning aged care Liscombe House are holding an afternoon of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria.

Starting at 1pm, the afternoon is packed with musical entertainment from local schools’ ensembles, pottery workshops, demonstrations by the Leith Park Men’s Shed, and face painting for children.

Visitors will be given the chance to try out our very own Seniors’ Exercise Park – a playground especially tailored for older people. It is one of only three in Victoria, and the first to be included in a retirement village. Residents will also be on hand to demonstrate simple strength and balance exercises that can easily be done at home – don’t miss out.

Follow the garden trail down to our wonderful new community garden created by horticulturist and landscape designer Melissa King. Along the way, watch out for our tame gorilla and see whether you can find a scarecrow or two lurking in the gardens.

Near the community garden, afternoon scones will be served in the community hall centre, while outside there will be a BBQ – just the ticket to keep your energy up. Also in the community hall, have a bit of fun in our photo booth, or sit and watch a few videos about Leith Park and Liscombe House – you may spot a familiar friend.

Return up the trail to Liscombe House, and learn more about our 150th history in our “Beyond the Gate” exhibition. It covers the start of our OCAV when founder George Coppin and other founding colonists established the Old Colonists’ Association of Victoria in 1869 to provide housing and support for older Victorians in need – through to the people associated with the start of Leith Park and Liscombe House, and onto today.

Weave your way onto Liscombe Courtyard where 50 children will have the chance to ‘win’ a succulent if they answer a question correctly, don’t let them miss out on face painting, and make sure you take time to marvel at the working model train set built by our men’s group.

Parking and transport
Parking is at a premium in the retirement village so we have organised car parking at St Helena Secondary College. Two minibuses will be doing circuits during the afternoon taking visitors to Leith Park. Pick up a program on the bus trip.

Entrance is free.

Program is subject to additions and changes

12.45pm – 3.30pm
Buses start from St Helena Secondary College car park and loop through the village

1pm – 3.30pm
In and around the community hall:
Afternoon tea: scones and trimmings
BBQ
Photo booth
Vintage to current day films

1pm – 3.30pm
DIY Garden trail walk

1pm – 3.30pm
“Pop up” musical entertainment throughout the village

1pm – 3.30pm
In and around Liscombe House

Face painting for children, plant stalls and a special treat for children if they answer a question correctly: limited supply only
Beyond the Gate history exhibition
Model train demonstrations

1pm – 1.30pm
Men’s shed demonstrations and tour

1.15pm – 2.15pm
Have a Go on our Seniors Exercise Park

2pm and 3pm

Garden tours start from the Maintenance Shed

2.15pm – 2.45pm
Men’s shed demonstrations and tour

2.30pm – 3pm
Exercise for everyone – Liscombe House dining hall

Inquiries should go to: lhreception@ocav.com.au