Valley stops for a tea break

Yarra Glen residents will have two Biggest Morning Tea events coming up. Pam Verhoeven (front left), Christine Tomlins, Noela Maier, Jenny Tetlow, Nola Matthews and Patricia Ritchie, behind from left, Lyn Antheunisse, Jane Calder and Debra Traill are getting ready for theirs on 31 May. 154121 Picture: ROB CAREW

By JESSE GRAHAM

YARRA Valley residents will have plenty of opportunities to have a tea break in the coming month, with many Biggest Morning Tea events slated to raise money for the Cancer Council.
The Mail reported last week that Healesville’s Lions Den Op Shop would be hosting a morning tea event on Thursday 26 May, to raise funds for cancer research.
But there are plenty more events scattered around the area in coming months, including two big morning teas in Yarra Glen.
On Tuesday 31 May, the Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre will be hosting a tea with the Steels Creek Stitchers at the Yarra Glen Memorial Hall, on Anzac Avenue.
From 10am to noon, homemade cakes and sandwiches will be on sale, along with tea and coffee, with raffles and games being held to raise funds for the Cancer Council of Victoria.
Office and program co-ordinator at the YGLLC Debra Traill said that Hargreaves Hill’s Beth Williams would also be performing on the morning, singing songs for visitors.
She said that $10 would get visitors a bottomless cup of tea or coffee and three choices from the cake or sandwich bar, and that raffle tickets were $2, or three for $5.
On Saturday 25 June, Concetta Rizza from Yarra Glen’s Marsala Cafe will be hosting a morning tea event at the Yarra Valley Racecourse.
Ms Rizza said she was hoping to double last year’s funds of $8700, and turn the 200-odd attendance to 500, with farm animals, face painting, entertainment and speakers coming to the event.
“At the end of the day, if we get almost the same amount, we’ve done well,” she said.
“At the end of the day, it’s $8000 that the Cancer Council didn’t have for research.”
In Healesville, Le Pine will be hosting another tea event, in conjunction with the Country Women’s Association, from 10.15am on Wednesday 25 May.
Raffle prizes and door prizes will be available on the day, with donations accepted for tea.
RSVP to the Healesville event by calling Jenny Smith on 5962 4141, and for the 31 May Yarra Glen event call the Yarra Glen Living and Learning Centre on 9730 2887, or the Racecourse event at www.facebook.com/biggestmorningteayarraglen.