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Loch Sport Boat Club to host water safety event

THE Loch Sport Boat Club (LSBC) will host its second day of the school water safety and emergency services program on Friday, February 18. The group hosted the School Water Safety and Emergency Services day last December and it was very successful. This event was started by Barry Phillips, a lifetime member of LSBC, and Loch Sport Primary School many years ago with children being introduced to sailing in disability boats which are very easy to sail. Close to a decade ago through the Loch Sport Community Representative Group, Wellington Shire Council and local emergency groups were invited to join in. They expanded the day which enabled sharing of the two-hour sailing time to other schools, as a maximum of 20 students can sail at once. As teachers left Loch Sport, they asked for their new school to be included. Three schools then rotated around sailing and the emergency groups, with Seaspray and Cowwarr attending ever year. Woodside Primary School was included in 2020 and with extra pupils it was necessary to create another day and Woodside and Wurruk became part of the program. Bundalaguah Primary School is another school joining in the event. The emergency groups include the students in activities like the CFA fire hose and up close and personal with Ambulance officers and the vehicle itself. The SES activities cover floods and other problems, and Parks introduce their firefighting equipment and programs. The Police boat comes across from Paynesville, with the Marine Safety Victoria Education unit hosting a session about water safety focusing on lifejackets and hyperthermia, Kayak and power boats with a flare demonstration in the carpark. The Loch Sport Lions Club have supported this event sometimes covering the cost of hiring the sailability boats, though mostly with providing and cooking up a great sausage sizzle lunch for everyone. It is a great networking day for all. The LSBC thanks everyone who helps assist in the day, as it is such a great sight to see all those uniforms enjoying their lunch. For the past eight years, Kaye Hogben has been coordinating these events which can be challenging, ensuring all are included along with following up with changing personnel from the attendee groups, and sending out information emails to all. The boats are hired from Lake Wellington Yacht Club. Boat Club helpers pick up and return the boats to Sale, put them together early and dismantle end of day, fit the lifejackets and tutor the students in the art of sailing. Current COVID rules will apply on the day.

Primary school children will learn how to sail boats thanks to the Loch Sport Boat Club.

The primary school children got to learn how to sail boats thanks to the Loch Sport Boat Club back in December. The next event is on Friday.

Photos: Contributed

 A free community meal will be held on Monday, February 21, 2022 at St John’s Anglican Church, cnr Thomson and Church Street, Maffra beginning at 6pm. Contact person is Janet 0417 030 768 or 5147 1056.  A World Day of Prayer service will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Pearson Street, Maffra on Friday, March 4, 2022, at 2pm. This service has been compiled the women of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. People from across the world meet in their churches on the same day to share in this service. All are welcome to attend, COVID-19 regulations will apply. For more information please call 5147 2718.  Maffra RSL will hold its monthly Trivia Night on Friday, February 18, 2022, at 5pm in the Shelton RSL rooms, Boisdale Street, Maffra.  Maffra Neighbourhood House craft groups meet on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings from 10am until 12 noon. Craft beginners and crafters are welcome to attend. Bring your own projects, cost is a gold coin donation each week, tea and coffee provided. Please call 5147 1487 to book a place.  A Seniors Exercise group runs from 11am until 11.45am. The cost for the seven-week program is $84. This group is run by Maffra Neighbourhood House and takes place at the Geoff Webster Centre, Thomson Street (opposite Maffra Primary School). Book by calling 5147 1487. All attendees must show proof of double vaccination.