From the Chair

Welcome to our first edition for the year.

Things got off to a flying start with significant refurbishment work on the Community Pottery Studio being undertaken during January (see article below). This allows the potters to vacate the upper level so that repair work can be done on the termite-damaged upper floor. We were able to meet the criteria to access a generous ‘challenge grant’ which we received from Bendigo Bank to support this work.

We have had a record number of renewals and new members for this time of year - thanks to everyone for your support. See Noelene’s article and request for accurate recording group(s) you are involved with when you renew/sign up. Also the call for Life Member nominations is ‘live’ this month.

You may have seen that this month’s Warrandyte Diary has a piece about the Theatre Company’s program for the year, which builds on the tremendous success of last year. This edition highlights the first play, which is in preparation, as well as opportunities for anyone interested to get involved in the diverse range of activities that contribute to each production.

All the best.
Bruce Turner, Chair
[email protected]

Pottery News

This year we hit the ground running with a busy working bee in mid-January to paint the studio’s downstairs wall and floor. The aim was to make this space more usable to free up the upper level for future restoration work.

This project was kindly and efficiently led by David Tynan, who is a past President and current member of WMIAA’s Committee, as well as the Theatre Company. His team included Jeff, Marion, Grant, Dave, Annie, Greg and Alli.

Work on the floors involved pressure washing, cleaning, repairing and finishing with three coats of paint. The wall were painted meticulously with luscious Vivid White, giving the studio a much needed face-lift. We cannot forget to mention that the wall painting was made so much easier from long-standing Wednesday potter, Ceri, assisted by WMIAA Vice Chair, Marion, spending hours during 2024, diligently filling and repairing cracks and painting a layer of primer.

There also turned out to be welding and other work to do on the large front doors which was expertly assisted by kind members of the Eltham Men’s Shed, led by Phil Dyer. Phil also helped with advice about the paints and repair of the concrete floor.

Meanwhile, a second team comprising Adrian, Simone, Marion, Grant and David de-cluttered mainly, theatre items that were stored under the pottery studio.

Lastly, old pieces of furniture/shelving were painted by potters, before being moved back into the studio in haste, for the start of Term 1.

Members have returned to pottery with much enthusiasm to create. The main project this term is to make items for the WMIAA Stall at the Warrandyte Festival.

The potters say they are overjoyed and delighted with the studio’s downstairs revamp and thank the WMIAA team very much for supporting the Pottery Studio with their time, free labour and expertise.

Bruce Turner with contributions from Alli Beanland, on behalf of the potters, and David Tynan

Membership News

A big thank you to all those who have renewed their membership promptly, and a hearty welcome to new members of the WMIAA. We hope you settle in quickly and gain much pleasure in being part of your group or groups.

A gentle reminder to those yet to renew their membership, that payment is due by February 28, or membership ceases until fees are paid.

Registration Information

Registrations are paid via Trybooking
Visit https://www.trybooking.com/CXBDU click on ‘Book Now’.

It would be very helpful if, when registering or renewing, members only indicate the group(s) they are actively involved in (from the pull-down menu). Having an accurate picture of the total number of members and numbers in groups helps us to promote our organisation and enhance our grant applications.

If you are not an active member of a group (e.g.a regular attendee at theatre shows, but not involved in their production) you can register as a ‘Friend of the WMIAA’.

Call for Life Membership nominations

Life Membership is an honour bestowed on an individual member who has made a long-standing (10 years or more) and, exceptional contribution, to the WMIAA. Any financial member of the WMIAA can nominate a member for life membership by submitting the nominee’s name and reasoning for the nomination to the Chair of WMIAA, Bruce Turner. Nominations should be received before the end of February 2025 to allow for Committee consideration prior to the AGM.

Noelene Cooper,
Membership Coordinator
[email protected]
0400 861 133

Warrandyte Theatre Company

As 2025 begins, WTC aims to build on the tremendous success of last year with a diverse lineup of productions designed to entertain, challenge and delight. From timeless classics to modern comedies, the four-show season promises something for everyone. The much-anticipated return of the Famous Follies at the end of the year will provide and opportunity for writers, performers and those new to the stage to get involved.

Season 1

When the Wind Blows
by Raymond Briggs - Directed by David Tynan

This poignant and darkly humorous play follows a rural English couple as they attempt to survive a nuclear attack and maintain a sense of normality in the fallout. This production blends heartbreak and resilience in a way that will stay with audiences long after the curtain falls.

The Warrandyte Theatre Company is more than just a performance space, it is a vibrant, creative hub powered by volunteers. Every production relies on people with a wide range of skills, from acting and directing to set construction, costume design, lighting and stage management. Whether experience in theatre or simply eager to lend a hand, anyone with an interest is encouraged to participate.

Being part of the theatre isn’t just about putting on a show, its about the journey to get there. It’s about meeting like-minded people, learning new skills and, experiencing the satisfaction of bringing a story to life.

Those interested in contributing to the 2025 season are invited to contact me to arrange a chat over coffee.

Lou Phelan
[email protected]

Ticket News

Keeping in line with the increase in global prices we have had to put up our ticket prices to $28 and $22 (concession). This change will take effect from Season 2.

Archives update

It’s been too hot over the summer to get stuck into more sifting and sorting of the Association archives. However, I can report that we took delivery of a splendid fire-proof filing cabinet in December - on another very hot day - into which all the crates of stuff we had left in the kitchen were stowed. It will take some time and effort to get this all into labelled hanging files etc. BUT, it was a great feeling to know that our precious papers were relatively safe over summer.

Our original grant application was for a two-drawer cabinet, acid free pockets and some advertising. We weren’t successful with the latter two items, but the grant actually paid for a better quality four-drawer cabinet (less GST) in the end, as we were lucky to acquire a new one with a scratch on top!

If anyone would like to join David, Sim, Noelene, Denise, Jock and me for, any of this sorting work down the track, as well as the scanning of precious documents, please let me know.

Pat Anderson
0488 173 490

Bottles and Cans!!

Container Deposit Scheme

After last years success in raising $1,556.10 from the Container Deposit Scheme, we have got off to a great start with 663 containers deposited in January alone, bringing in another $66.30!

The bar code below can be used at any drop off site for those who would like the proceeds to go to WMIAA.

So again, keep up the drinking in 2025!

With many thanks to our generous sponsors this year.