Grafton VIEW Club celebrated its 56^th birthday with a Royal Garden Party theme.

Many thanks go to the Hope Chest for selling the tickets. Guests enjoyed a morning tea, followed by lunch, including sweets, birthday cake and great entertainment from the Conservatorium Choir. Much fun was had with many raffle prizes, tombolas, trading table and a lucky door prize.

VIEW Clubs are major supporters of the Learning for Life Program. Through VIEW activities, help is assured for Australian children in need of a deserved education.

Jessica Fahey, representative for Kevin Hogan, presented the club a congratulatory certificate on the 56 years. Other certificates were presented to members of 50 years, 40 years and others for outstanding contribution to Grafton VIEW Club. Maree and Caroline were also welcomed as new members.

VIEW Treasurer, Helen C, welcomed the guests, and spoke about VIEW Clubs sponsoring 190 students. There are now 17,000 clubs supporting the Learning for Life Program. Helen went on to tell the story about Amelia, who is now in her 3^rd year at university. Helen thanked everyone for attending the celebration. The Grafton funds go to 3 children in the Learning for Life Program.

The birthday cake was cut by the National President with the help of 2 VIEW Club members. Good Vibes, from the Grafton Conservatorium, provided a very professional performance with beautiful harmony, and was thoroughly enjoyed by all.

The Embroidery picture raffle was won by Leanne Kranik. The huge Birthday raffle prizes went to the following:

1^st $100 gift card – Ray Quarello; 2^nd grocery hamper – Lyndal Paulino; 3^rd electric steamer – Helen A. Smith; 4^th dinner set – Helen Morrison; 5^th diamond dot picture – Bruce Powell; 6^th marble casserole dish – Patricia Cox; 7^th queen bed sheets – Dana Stokes; 8^th Gucci handbag – Muriel Crossley; 9^th glass rectangle baker – Val Curtis; 10^th Asian cooking pot – Trevor Smith; 11^th small grocery hamper – Gloria Hunter.

The VIEW meetings are held on the 4^th Tuesday, of each month. The next meeting will be Tuesday November 28 at the Grafton District Services Club, Mary Street, commencing at 10.30am. All are welcome. Bring along your friends and help support disadvantaged students throughout their entire education.

Please phone 6642 4719 for catering purposes, no later than the Friday before the meeting. Hope to see you there – all are welcome to the friendly Grafton VIEW Club.

The next mid-month outing will be on Tuesday January 23 at the Rest Point Hotel, Copmanhurst at 12 midday.

Jeanette Calvi