Celebration to mark building’s 50 year milestone

A celebration by the Beechworth Citizenship Club is set to take place on Friday, 29 August to mark a 50-year milestone for its building. Among guest speakers will be Indigo Shire mayor Sophie Price, Lions Club president John Eldrid and Beechworth Correctional Centre general manager Nick Selisky. The speakers represent the three organisations behind building for the dedicated Senior Citizens Centre. History about the club’s background from when it started to its present day running will be delivered by its president Chris Dormer. Ms Dormer said senior citizen led events such the Croquet Club, table tennis group and Line dancing will showcase some activities. She said groups using the premises including BEAT (Beechworth Exercise and Activities Training) will also have displays. In researching history back to the 1970s when the senior citizens group kicked off, Ms Dormer said seniors had raised money to build the centre. “The group used other premises around town until the new centre was built,” she said. “One premise is where the Vino Bar is now.” Ms Dormer said in 1965 the seniors group known as the Pensioner Association at that time started raising money mainly through bingo. “They also raised money through old time dances, indoor bowls, holding morning and afternoon teas,” she said. “The group used to also meet up with senior citizens in other towns as they had a bus, and they held an annual picnic too.” A sum of $115,000 was raised for the building which cost $83,000 with the building opened in 1975. The senior citizens group also paid off a borrowed sum of $50,000 from the then United Shire of Beechworth for a later extension in 1992. Ms Dormer said the Senior Citizens Centre had been an excellent community facility used most days of the week. “It’s available for other purposes such as voting when elections are held as well as for weddings, birthdays and Beechworth Health Service functions," she said. Entertainment for the special occasion will include local musician Sandra Williams on keyboard as well as singer Kath Buckingham to delight the crowd. Ms Dormer said displays of photographs and information from the club’s history will be showcased too. With everyone welcome to attend, the event will start at 2pm at the Senior Citizens’ Centre located at 3 Harper Street. For more information or if people need help with assisted transport email beechworthscc@gmail.com

Celebration to mark building’s 50 year milestone

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