Trust faces challenging year ahead

By Jim Mynard
NATIONAL Trust Casey Cardinia Branch (NTCCB) president Ruth Crofts said the branch faced its most challenging year since it formed four years ago.
Mrs Crofts was speaking at a Trust gathering in its new rooms at Pioneers Park, Berwick, when member and former Berwick businessman Bill Hudson presented the branch with a $5000 gift.
Mrs Crofts said the Trust, despite the challenges, would have a home in the oldest remaining room of the old Berwick Primary School.
“This is the 1876 section,” she said.
“It was by mutual agreement that the Berwick and Pakenham Historical Society will continue to be based in Pakenham, and the NTCCB will have its headquarters in Berwick.
“Each group will have a presence in each other’s headquarters.
“This will allow us to maintain individual identity and will certainly benefit both.”
A full program has been planned with activities ranging from Mondays lunching and listening, a reception for sponsors and donors, a grand anniversary dinner, a heritage competition for schools, a ‘Trusty’ trivia night and two major exhibitions.
“We aim to engage the rapidly growing community members to learn about the rich heritage that surrounds them and invite people to be part of this exciting new venture,” she said.