The screening of the film The Lady in the Van starring Maggie Smith was enjoyed by 210 guests and was followed by a delicious afternoon tea with some excellent prizes won. 

The Lady in the Van tells the true story of Alan Bennett’s strained friendship with Mary Shepherd, an eccentric homeless woman whom Bennett befriended in the 1970s before allowing her temporarily to park her Bedford van in the driveway of his Camden home. She stayed there for 15 years. 

“On behalf of the ark toy and activity centre auxiliary I would like thank everyone who attended our fundraising event,” the auxiliary’s Kaye Chamings said.

Kaye also thanked Barry, John and Ross for providing the use of the cinema and their support in making the day such a wonderful success.

She highlighted that, combined with some generous donations, a total of $2090 was raised from the afternoon.

The auxiliary intends to use the funds to provide additional resources for older borrowers and school-aged children with special needs.

East Grampians Health Service community liaison officer Danny Drake said the work of the auxiliary was to be commended.

“Resources and educational equipment are carefully chosen to support the needs of the people who make use of the centre’s facilities,” he said.

“The ark toy and activity centre continues to incorporate resources to not only help children but help the elderly who suffer with motor function, memory skill deficiencies as well as other specific needs they may have.”

Mr Drake said as part of the of the East Grampians Health Service, the ark toy and activity centre provided a lending service to people with specific needs.

The group assists senior citizens, mothers and babies groups, children referred to therapeutic groups and their families. The centre offers a wide range of toys and equipment which assists in the development of learning skills while providing a recreational outlet.

Membership is open to people with specific needs, people with a medical referrals, mothers and babies groups, preschool children, early learning centres, kindergartens and schools and elderly residents in aged care facilities or in their own homes.

The ark toy and activity centre is located at East Grampians Health Service and is open on weekdays between 10am and 12pm for mothers and babies groups.

For further information about the centre, people can phone 5352 9453 or contact Kaye Chamings on 5352 2289.