By Cam Lucadou-Wells
THERE’S a quiet hum of activity most days at Narre Warren North Uniting Church.
Fashioned as the rural community’s hub, it is home to affordable cooking classes, mosaics, crafts, tai chi, disability activities, films, photography, a communal vegie patch, a toddler’s play group and a thriving op-shop.
Activities organiser Carolee Ratcliffe says all-comers are welcome from all religions and belief systems to join in at the church’s community room and revamped kitchen.
The hub is not only connecting people but producing donations such as quilts for patients at Royal Childrens Hospital.
It also collects non-perishables for Casey North Community Information and Support Service and donates fresh produce from its vegetable garden for Transit soup kitchen in Narre Warren.
Ms Ratcliffe says new groups are forming as participants decide to share their expertise with their mates.
Craft participants take turns to teach decoupage, quilting, Christmas decorations, card making, ribbon embroidery, knitting and crochet.
“It’s amazing how many experts we’ve got,” Ms Ratcliffe said.
A parent has launched a niche play group for toddlers who miss out on mainstream kindergarten or play groups due to health issues.
Ms Ratcliffe says the group gives parents and their excluded children – who are otherwise socially isolated – a chance to mix with each other.
For details on the playgroup, call Katherine on 0431 537 489. For other activities, call Carolee on 0408 066 447.
