latest newsletter - Cottage by the Sea

SUMMER 2015/2016 NEWSLETTER
MEET WEBBIE
it y
opportunity
tun
fun
r
o
io n
- F un - O p p
p ir
inspiration
at
Ins
Webbie has been employed as a companion
dog to relieve some of the children’s anxieties
and reservations about being on a camp.
He will also assist the kids in learning life
skills such as, nurturing, empathy and the
responsibilities of having a pet.
•
•
OUR NEWEST STAFF MEMBER
FINALE TO OUR 125th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS
BACK TO THE COTTAGE OPEN DAY
On Sunday 25th October 2015 the Cottage opened its doors
to the public celebrating its 125th anniversary as a children’s
charity and, with the weather on its best behaviour, the day
was a massive success. There was entertainment for young
and old - a jumping castle, face painting, live music, tours,
tea and coffee plus special appearances from Spiderman
and a Stiltwalker.
The icing on the day though was a special birthday cake
baked by Cottage Mentor Steph Wright.
The event would not have been the success it was without
the help of the dedicated and passionate team of staff,
volunteers and branch members who worked tirelessly before
and on the day and the support of the community.
HAPPY
BIRTHDAY
CAKE
PRODUCED
BY STEPH
What’s a birthday without a cake? One of our Cottage
Mentors, Steph, showed off the rewards of a
cake-decorating course that she recently completed, with
the assistance of the Cottage by the Sea Scholarship
Program, and it’s safe to say everyone was impressed.
The Scholarship Program is kindly supported through
the generosity of the Shine On Foundation.
TIME CAPSULE: Cottage Patron Frank Costa threw
soil over our time capsule which will be re-opened
during our 150th year in 2040.
HISTORICAL RE-ENACTMENT
To conclude the 125th Annual General Meeting, a special production was written and performed by the Woodlands
Heritage Interpretation Performance Troupe.
The performance told the story of the Countess of Meath, founder of the Ministering Children’s League, travelling from
England to Queenscliff to uphold a promise she made to Cottage by the Sea founders, Elizabeth Calder and Annie
Hitchcock, to one day visit the Queenscliff branch of the MCL. The tale was told as the Countess made the perilous journey
through the heads, also known as Shipwreck Cove…
125th ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Our 125th Annual General Meeting brought our weeklong celebrations to a close on Friday 30th October 2015 in the marquee
at Queenscliff which was erected on our newly surfaced basketball court. Board, branch members, ambassadors, donors,
supporters and volunteers all came along to support this momentous occasion.
A number of the Cottage by the Sea Mentors stole the show yet again, sharing their stories of how the Cottage has
helped them chase their dreams over the last few years.
COTTAGE BY THE SEA
HISTORIC BEDSPREADS
In amongst all of the events taking place for our
125th anniversary, a special exhibition was on
display upstairs at the Cottage. A collection of
bedspreads, made between 1905 and 1966 by
Victorian auxiliaries who supported Cottage by the
Sea, was on display for the week. The quilts, which
have been carefully and kindly looked after by the
Queenscliffe Historical Museum, were found in the
basement in 2006 after being placed there
in the early eighties when attitudes and the
advent of the washing machine meant they
were considered unsuitable.
The bedspreads have now been handed back to
the Queenscliffe Historical Museum, safely wrapped
and stored in acid free tissue paper and placed in
polypropylene boxes purchased with funds raised
by Cottage by the Sea during the ‘Showcasing
Quilts 3225 Community Show’ in October 2006.
TEA & TOURS
During the last week of
October, as part of our final
125th Celebration week, the
Cottage invited the public
to come in for a Devonshire
tea and tour. There was an
abundance of people coming
along each day, keeping Head
Chef Marc and his dedicated
team of volunteers busy
baking scones.
It was amazing to see lots of
new and returning faces drop
by during the week, each
person with a story of their
own to share about
their knowledge of or
time at the Cottage.
2016 COTTAGE BY THE SEA
GOLF DAY
Flinders Golf Club
Friday 19 February 2016
SPONSORSHIP PACKAGES AVAILABLE
Please contact Alan Harrison 0421 997 885
or alanharrison@optusnet.com.au or
Geoff Counsel 0418 306 527 or geoffcounsel@gmail.com.
SOME OF OUR WONDERFUL CAMPS
CANBERRA FREEMAN CAMP
In the first week of September a group of Cottage staff
travelled to Canberra to participate in a camp hosted by the
Cathy Freeman Foundation. The camp was attended by a
group of indigenous children from remote communities
in the Northern Territory.
On the camp the children were exposed to a diverse range
of new and challenging experiences. For some, it was the
first time they had been in a big city. The kids visited national
landmarks such as Parliament House, the Australian War
Memorial and the Telstra Tower, as well as participating in a
number of team and character building activities.
These camps are run in conjunction with our National
Program and it is fantastic to have the opportunity to help
children from all across Australia.
‘I would like to thank you all so
much for having my children at
the Cottage. It was just what
they needed after the hard time
we are having at home. Having
their Dad diagnosed with a
mental illness has been very
hard. I have cried many tears
since getting home this morning
with my girls. To see them so
happy makes me feel happy.
Your generosity is overwhelming.
They have been through their
bags and showing me what they
have been given. They are just
so excited. Thank you so much I
wish there was more I could do
to help support the great work
you do at the Cottage.’
ATTICA’s BEN SHEWRY SPENDS
A DAY WITH COTTAGE MENTORS
Multi award winning Attica’s Head Chef and owner, Ben Shewry, paid a visit to Cottage
by the Sea recently. Ben took six of the Cottage Mentors foraging for wild local flora and
showed them how to cook up a tasty dish and the importance of presentation using fresh
produce from the Cottage by the Sea vegetable garden.
Ben is a huge source of inspiration to the young adults who are at the Cottage so for
them to have an opportunity to have a Q & A with him and learn some of his key
advice is a wonderful experience.
Ben spoke of his work with the Cottage - “It’s fantastic and working with kids is natural
to me. I’m drawn to good people and when Marc and Belinda contacted me I wanted
to do more than just helping out. The staff at Cottage by the Sea are exceptional,
positive, kind and passionate.“
BUSH CAMP
During the September school holidays the Cottage Mentors were treated to an
experience of a lifetime. The teenagers were split into two groups, each spending
a week in the bush camping and pushing their comfort zones.
One group was off to Mittagundi, located in the Victorian Alps. To access the
camp the young adults were required to hike for 2 days with all their belongings
on their backs. Once at the site, they lived off the land without electricity for the
next 6 days. The Mentors participated in activities such as rafting, abseiling and
building fences, all testing them physically and mentally in a safe environment.
One of the Mentors in the camp reflected on the experience saying it gave her a
new perspective on the presence of technology in our day-to-day lives.
The other group headed off to Moulamein, New South Wales. The Mentors and
Cottage staff stayed on a large rural property courtesy of the Anderson family who
own APCO Service Stations and who are generous supporters of the Cottage.
The teens were exposed to an array of first time experiences that included fishing,
yabbying, cooking over an open fire, ferreting and lighting their very own bonfire!
The Cottage would like to thank both Mittagundi and the Anderson family for
their support in running these incredible camps!
29 Flinders
Street,
Queenscliff
STAFF CORNER - Webbie
2016
BIGGER &
BETTER
Annual
Fair
From 9am
till 2pm
Public
Donations
Accepted From
Friday 1st January
to Thursday 14th
January Fresh
Trash &
Treasure
Tours
Pots &
Plants
produce
at bargain
prices
Books &
Toys
Saturday
January 16th
2016
Lunch Delicious
Barbecue
Devonshire Tea
with views to
The Rip
Breakfast Bacon & Eggs,
Donuts, Fresh
Fruit Salad
Information:
Tel: 03 5258 1663
info@cottagebythesea.com.au
2015 COTTAGE CHRISTMAS CARDS
Simson Cards of Laverton have this year again very generously
DONATED thousands of lovely Christmas cards, with all proceeds
going to the Cottage so please remember to buy any cards you
may need from selected Charity Card Shops. Contact us for a list
or visit our website www.cottagebythesea.com.au
If you haven’t seen him on our social media yet, meet
Webbie, the newest Cottage by the Sea staff member.
Webbie was born in Winchelsea and spent his early years
training to be a Guide Dog (sadly he was unsuccessful
due to being overly friendly) and also as a show dog. Two
years ago he made the move to Tasmania where he spent
his time as a stud dog and swimming in the river near his
home. Webbie was kindly donated to Cottage by the Sea
and flew back to Victoria to join us in August.
He’s fitted right into Cottage life and the kids adore him.
He loves walks on the beach, swims in the ocean with
the kids and he never tires of all the love and attention.
It’s only early days still, but Webbie has a very exciting
life ahead at the Cottage and we’re ecstatic and proud to
have him as a part of the team.
“Wow, I can never forget that place. I went there over 40
years ago and it was the best! Thanks for having a place
like Cottage by the Sea. You’re amazing.”
GM NEWS
AMBASSADOR PROGRAM REPORT
Another busy year
where, with your
support, we were able
to offer a record 72
camps and a record
1,487 children, a
unique Cottage camp
filled with exciting
experiences, programs
and services offered
by our dedicated staff.
With the fun and activities for the Cottage’s 125th Birthday
Celebrations over it has been timely to reflect on the
invaluable work that has been happening over this time, and
still continues, for the disadvantaged and underprivileged
children and their families in our community.
Just a few of the highlights from the past year:
• 150 indigenous children including 40 from Interstate (Palm
island, Elcho island, Bathurst Island and Woorabinda)
• 18 international children from the African Children’s Choir
• 150 children from English Second Language Schools
around Melbourne
• 200 children brought up solely by grandparents
Finally, we sincerely wish to again thank all our board and
branch members, ambassadors, staff, volunteers, supporters
and donors for enabling us to continue our work to the best
of our ability and in the best interests of the children and
families we support each year.
On behalf of the board, staff and volunteers, have a Merry
Christmas and a safe New Year.
Tony Featherston
GM
‘I’d like to thank the staff at Cottage by the Sea for
providing my son with such a fantastic time. He loved every
minute of his time with you.’
At the AGM in October it was inspiring to hear some of the
young adults from the Mentor Program speak about what
the Cottage has meant to them and to hear about
their future plans as a result of their enhanced
confidence and self esteem.
It was particularly pleasing when the management of Market
Square in Geelong offered the Cottage the opportunity to
organise their Charity Christmas Wrapping this year. It has
been a busy time organising volunteer rosters etc. to run the
wrap but well worth it as it not only gives us great exposure
but is very profitable - all proceeds coming directly to the
Cottage. Market Square provides the materials needed and
free parking for the volunteers. They have been involved
with the Cottage for some time now with programs during
the school holidays and other special events and the value
of being recognised in a busy central position, as well as
the monetary gain, is priceless. To all who volunteered I
would like to thank you as being a busy time of year, it was
heartening that so many people still found time to help out.
Myer Geelong have now finalised their two year support of
the Cottage with a great result of about $50,000 over the
time. Catherine Edsall and Jackie Gulli were the amazing
drivers of all of the fundraising efforts and we thank them so
much for their incredible energy and success. We also thank
the staff and management of Myer for their support.
At this time, I would like to thank the Ambassador team and
all who have helped us have another very successful, fun year
and wish everyone a very Happy, Healthy and Safe Christmas
and look forward to the New Year when we will present
exciting and fun opportunities to continue our support for the
fantastic work of Cottage by the Sea.
Jan Wilkinson
Ambassador Program Co-ordinator
DOWN MEMORY LANE
95 years young, Gwen Markwell remembers her Mother, Ellen Crayford, telling of how she attended Holy Trinity Anglican Church in
Maldon and being taught Sunday School by Elizabeth Calder. Elizabeth explained that she was seeking donations, raising funds to
build Cottage by the Sea at Queenscliff and Ellen was the first donor, contributing a shilling. Her Mother continued the association with
the Cottage and, after marrying and moving to Queenscliff, joined the Queenscliff Branch Committee of Cottage by the Sea. Gwen
remembers, as a young child in the 1930s accompanying her Mother to branch meetings at the original timber Cottage.
JUST SOME OF OUR WONDERFUL DONATIONS - THANK YOU
Cassidy & Niamh of Queenscliff Sea Scouts donated
Pinchapoo donated more toiletry gift packs for our
Woodcraft Manningham Members who make
$350 raised at the Ocean Grove Car Boot sale
teens and their Mums.
hundreds of wooden toy kits for Cottage children.
COMMUNITY RELATIONS MELBOURNE - Anne Catchpole
Semi Retirement: After working for the Cottage
for 21 years, Anne has decided to semi retire in December
2015, reducing working for the Cottage to 2 days per week,
still focussing on keeping in touch with Melbourne volunteers,
supporters and donors on a regular basis and guest speaking
to groups (large or small).
Surrey Hills Lease Expires:
Publications:
Anne will hand over producing the
Calendar/Annual Report and twice yearly Newsletter to
Lachlan Baulch, who currently handles Cottage social media.
Anne Catchpole
Community Relations Melbou
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She will continue visiting many of you and keeping you
updated on programs, children visiting the Cottage, staff
and events and will be available to collect your donations
as well as catch up with Tony on a regular basis. Anne will
be contactable at annecatchpole@bigpond.com.au or if you
would like a magnet with Anne’s contact details for your
refrigerator, call her on 0412 431 233.
Mail: Any future mail should be directed to
the Cottage, 29 Flinders Street, Queenscliff, 3225
o n - F un - O p p o
•
rne
Guest Speaking
Donation Collection
Anne’s semi
0412 431 233
.au
retirement coincides with the expiration of the Surrey
annecatchpole@bigpond.com
au
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Hills office lease at the end of December 2015 and by not
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renewing the lease, the Cottage will save on rent whilst
offering Anne flexibility to work from home, mobility to visit
our supporters and guest speak to Melbourne groups. We
‘Thanks for all the fun at my first REEF program camp.
emphasise how greatly our Melbourne donors and supporters
It was unbelievable fun for everyone. I loved all of the
are appreciated and Anne looks forward to continuing her
am
18/11/2015 7:56
staff members who helped me with the activities
and
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close relationship with these communities.
Anne Catchpole BC Nov15.ind
pushed me to achieve my best. I can’t wait for the
next camp, it was AWESOME!’
TOURS – WE INVITE YOU TO VISIT
See where the children stay, eat and play and hear from
the staff about our programs and the inspiration - fun opportunity offered to such deserving children.
HOW YOUR DONATION CAN HELP
$20 can buy ice-cream for a week.
$75 covers winter swims at the local indoor pool.
$80 pays for an afternoon at the local indoor play centre.
$100 will pay for fuel to transport
children to and from Queenscliff.
$120
$100
will help fund excursions.
will buy fresh fruit and vegetables for a camp.
We are delighted to welcome
groups to the Cottage for
morning tea and a tour
(no charge) - please call
5258 1663 to arrange.
IN MEMORIAM
We sadly advise the passing of these valued
Cottage friends and supporters
Mrs Peggy Chidzey
Mr Ian George Coghill
Mrs Lorna Esther Connor
Mrs Claire Greaves
Mr Vernon Thomas Hauser
Mrs Margaret Wardle (Yarra Branch Member)
Jean Williams
SPONSOR A CHILD
$600 can provide cosy accommodation, nutritious food and
fun activities for a disadvantaged child for a week’s camp.
WISH LIST
boys clothing, ages 8-10, (excluding undies)
toys for boys, ages 8-10
pyjamas - sizes 8-16 both boys & girls
sun hats/caps - sizes 8-16 both boys & girls
tracksuit pants - sizes 8-16 both boys & girls
one piece bathers - sizes 8-10 girls
socks - adult sizes both boys & girls
FOOD - canned tomatoes, chocolate, rice, pasta, noodles,
spices, olive oil, biscuits (sweet & dry), muesli bars,
marinade sauces and tomato paste
GUEST SPEAKERS
We love to spread the word about the Cottage and are happy
to visit your group (large or small, near or far) so please
contact us - Tony on 0409 535 863 (Bellarine Peninsula) or
Anne on 0412 431 233 (Melbourne).
CONTACT DETAILS
www.cottagebythesea.com.au
QUEENSCLIFF
29 Flinders Street, Queenscliff, VIC 3225
Tel: (03) 5258 1663 Fax: (03) 5258 4347
Email: info@cottagebythesea.com.au
MELBOURNE
Anne Catchpole, Community Relations, 0412 431 233
Guest Speaking & Donation Collection
Email: annecatchpole@bigpond.com.au
BRANCHES
BELLARINE Claire Muntz Tel: 5258 2377
GEELONG Meg Chisholm Tel: 5243 6329
QUEENSCLIFF Bev Davies Tel: 5251 2520
HIGHTON CERES ACORN Ros Leigh Tel: 5249 1380
!
COTTAGE DONATION SLIP
Name:
....................................................................................................
• By credit card q Mastercard q Visa q Amex
Title:
Address:
....................................................................................................
Postcode:
....................................................................................................
Telephone:
....................................................................................................
I would like to support the Cottage by giving:
q $25
q $50
q $100
q $250
q Other $ ..................
• By cheque payable to Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff Inc.
(Please mail to: 29 Flinders Street, Queenscliff, VIC 3225)
• By telephoning (03) 5258 1663
• Online at www.cottagebythesea.com.au
• By direct bank transfer (Please use your name as the reference)
BSB: 083-825 ACCOUNT NUMBER: 68 084 1769
Card Number:
....................................................................................................
Cardholder’s Name:
Expiry Date:
....................................................................................................
Cardholder’s Signature:
I would like to support the Cottage by
authorising a regular donation:
$ .................. q Monthly q Quarterly q Half yearly q Annually
Deductions will be made from your credit card until we
receive written notification of changes.
Donations of $2 and over are
tax deductible.
ACCOUNT NAME: Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff Inc.
Cottage by the Sea, Queenscliff Inc. | ABN 21 987 748 593 | Inc. A 000 6878E