Supporters turn out for 25th

THE Cranbourne Arthritis Support Group celebrated a special milestone with their 25th birthday last week.
Members enjoyed a sit down lunch at Amstel Golf Club as they reminisced on the good and bad times shared during a quarter of a century together.
Guests included the founder of Arthritis Foundation Victoria, Dr Les Koadlow, and chief executive Natalie Savern.
President Rae Johnson said she couldn’t have asked for a better day to celebrate the life of a group that has improved the quality of life for hundreds of arthritis sufferers in the area.
“We had 120 people for lunch, including two representatives from eight neighbouring groups,” she said.
“It was a great turnout and some of our members made a beautiful ‘25’ cake.
“We received lots of accolades about the day.”
The Cranbourne Arthritis Group was established in 1980 with four people.
Water exercise classes were offered at the Cranbourne Pool with monthly meetings held in the boardroom of the Kooweerup Hospital.
After a move to the Cranbourne RSL, the group relocated to its current home at the Apex Hall next to the pool.
The group now boasts 160 members and offers a variety of classes, including water exercises, tai chi and line dancing.
Members have donated more than $220,000 to a range of charities over the past 12 years, particularly younger arthritis sufferers.
For more information on the Cranbourne Arthritis Group contact Rae Johnson on 5996 0438.