By Brendan Rees
It was hula time for ladies in Cranbourne.
While many may have frocked up for Oaks Day fashions on the field at Flemington, grass skirts and brightly coloured flower head pieces were some the popular choices at Cranbourne’s Public Hall.
More than 30 ladies of Cranbourne’s Garden Club brought their A-game to compete for the best Hawaiian fancy dress on Thursday 9 November.
President of Cranbourne Garden Club Julie Muley said the day was all about making friends and having some fun.
“We have an event day every year – a dress up day. Last year, we had a tea party and this one of course is a Hawaiian flower ceremony,” she said.
“It’s celebrating the club and bringing people together. Obviously, if they can learn something about gardening in the interim, that’s good too.”
Catered by the CWA, the ladies enjoyed an afternoon tea with time to also share some gardening stories.
Taking on the role as fashion judge was Cr Amanda Stapledon who said she had a “tough time judging” the best Hawaiian dress.
“The effort they all go through to look beautiful and dress creatively is really appreciated.”
“I was under pressure. One of the toughest roles of my council career,” she laughed.
She said the event was important to improve the garden club’s membership, minimise isolation and build skills.
Cr Stapledon said gardening was important to people’s physical health.
“It’s a skill that’s being lost. It’s about physical exercise and getting out there in the sunshine and getting your vitamin D. This garden club is going forward in leaps and bounds.”
