Following the success of last year’s exhibition, Enjoying Planned Retirement (EPR) held its second Art and Craft Exhibition.

As the ward councillor, I was invited to officially open the Art and Craft Exhibition at Norwood Hall in Ringwood North. Tonight’s proceedings included entertainment and finger food to allow guests to meet members from EPR.

EPR provides a range of activities within a friendly and fun atmosphere, including theatre, movie nights, outings, table tennis, bocce and more.

EPR, which is one of the three groups that operate from Norwood Hall, provides a fun range of activities for seniors. While primarily serving Maroondah, the fact that the group attracts members from as far afield as Pakenham, Doncaster or Ashubrton, demonstrates the strength of the group.

The 2007 Art and Craft Exhibition was an overwhelming success with approximately 500 visitors and a number of stalls completely selling their wares.

Please continue reading to view a copy of my opening speech:

It is a pleasure to be invited here this evening and to be provided with the opportunity to launch EPR’s second Art and Craft Exhibition.

Enjoying Planned Retirement is one of three groups that operate from Norwood Hall and it is great to be able to acknowledge representatives from the other two groups, Ringwood U3A and the North Ringwood Senior Citizens, this evening.

It is befitting that EPR’s Art and Craft Exhibition is being held at the conclusion of Maroondah’s Senior’s Week, since the friendliness and energetic nature of EPR’s members and its activities demonstrates not just the mantra of healthy aging but also ensuring you have fun at the same time.

It is great to be back here this evening and I look forward to maintaining the ongoing contact I have had with EPR. I now declare the 2007 Art and Craft Exhibition to be officially opened.