Holiday fun on the farm

Luke and Katelyn with some of the delicious cup cakes baked by Probus member Nancy Webb. 152479 Pictures: KATH GANNAWAY

By KATH GANNAWAY

SCHOOL holiday fun down on the farm is not just for kids if that farm happens to be Gillians Rainbow Bridge (GRB) in Healesville.
The farm was a hive of activity on Wednesday 5 April as girls and boys set about making a garden seat for the children’s garden as part of the GRB holiday program, and a group of Healesville Ladies Probus members enjoyed a stroll around the gardens and lunch.
Mosaics and helping out with the farm animals were all part of the fun.
An al fresco lunch brought everyone together, including some opportunistic four-footed visitors from the adjoining paddocks who, like everyone else couldn’t resist the delicious cup-cakes.
GRB was established in memory of veterinary nurse, Gillian Conrad, who died at 31 in 2012.
The organisation is run by a dedicated team of members, with a mix of community development, animal welfare and business skills.
Gillian’s mother, Annette Conrad, said the aim of the organisation was to continue her daughter’s legacy of caring for people and animals.
Regular programs provide a place where children who are facing difficulties in their lives can have a safe place to learn and grow.
“These programs are about children and animals coming together, helping each other to heal, and to support each other in the process of positive change,” Annette said.
Probus member Margaret Allard said the garden was a favourite with the group, but it was the whole concept that made it so special.
“It’s about its reason for being,” she said.
Frances Kelly said it was a wonderful place for the children.
“It’s a very calming place,” she added.