THE Lake Bolac Branch of the Red Cross celebrated 100 years of continuous service to the town, with visitors in attendance enjoying a day of history and reminiscing.
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The Lake Bolac Hall was appropriately decorated with flowers, flags and memorabilia and visitors were presented with a copy of the Branch history.
Distinguished guests included Zone 4 Chairman Val Carra and her secretary Norma Decker, guest speaker author Robin de Crespigny, the Willaura/Lake Bolac Community Bank branch manager Trevor Link and Ararat Rural Council representatives councillors Colin McKenzie and Glenda McLean.
Cr McKenzie congratulated the Lake Bolac Red Cross on achieving 100 years of continuous service and hoped that it could continue in the community for many more years.
Chairman Careen Keyte welcomed everyone present, among whom were several former residents of Lake Bolac and branch members from the former Region 16.
The school choir entertained everyone with several items.
Vice-president Lyn Hucker introduced the guest speaker, and former resident of Wickliffe, Robin de Crespigny, author of 'The People Smugglers'.
Ms de Crespigny gave an interesting outline of how she became involved with the life of the main character and his family; and was commissioned to write the book with the plan to make a documentary on this true story. This task took three years followed by two in promotion and the documentary is still to be produced.
After her address Lyn Hucker thanked Ms de Crespigny for her informative talk and presented her with a gift and flowers.
Long service medals for Lake Bolac members were presented by Zone 4 Chairman Val Carra with Betty Green awarded for 30 years' service, Margaret Moreton 40 years, Phyllis Peters 50 years and Helen McKay 60 years.
Careen Keyte then thanked all the Lake Bolac Red Cross members for their co-operation in the preparation and assistance for the day and sponsorship support received from the Willaura/Lake Bolac Community Bank, Ararat Rural City and the Lake Bolac Information and Business Centre.
Following the meeting the visitors headed outside to hear Cr Glenda McLean speak and watch Kaye Blackburn and Helen McKay unveil a seat presented to the Lake Bolac community by the Lake Bolac Red Cross to commemorate the Branch's 100 years.
Everyone then enjoyed a delicious afternoon tea, complete with a birthday cake made by Edith Atkinson iced by Lyn Hucker and cut by Alma Sloper and Helen McKay.
