In this issue - Holiday Program, Services & Activities, Farmers Course, News from the Chair, Auspice Groups, Winch House services update, Child Care, Community Bus, and Term 2 (2010) Course Guide. See the PDF version of the Winch House newsletter.

News from the Chair - by Helen Verity

A huge thank you to the manager, staff and volunteers who are responsible for the smooth start to the year - one of the best in my short time here. The earlier than usual opening in January enabled access for members of our community and they certainly took advantage of it.
Education programmes are up and running, as is Childcare and other activities. The 'new look' outdoor area for Childcare looks great and works well for children and staff. Special thanks to Bonnie and her team with wonderful support once again from our Community Bank.
Lots of interesting programmes and activities are planned for next term, school holidays and the rest of the year, so join in and take advantage of what is happening here for OUR community!

Winch House AUSPICE GROUP UPDATE

Wensleydale Rural Community Group - Fun activities and games are held for adults and children. For information please email Michelle at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call on 0400 680 893.
Community Shopping Bus - The bus runs from Winch House to Geelong for shopping for a small fee (approx $9). Dates for Term 2 are 3, 17 & 31 March, 14 & 28 April, 12 & 26 May.
WeCAN - WeCAN supports local artists. Contact Kaye Baker 0411 045 168 or Deanne Babare 5267 2709 for info.
Men’s Shed - Come along and join the Men’s Shed. Now meeting regularly at Winch House, every Wednesday 10.00 am. New members are always welcome. Come along and meet some old friends and make some new ones.
Community Garden - site located on Hesse Street next to the bowls club. We are hoping to see some action in the community garden in the next couple of months. There has still not been a response to our application for funding for the fence, however we have been led to believe that there is an alternative source of funding for our fence. Once they are built, we can start demonstration beds and further layout
of the garden. Current garden members are actively seed saving and exchanging excess produce and seedlings. Happy gardening!

Winch House SERVICES UPDATE

Small Business Tax Advice - We have our easy to understand ATO tax advisor from Business Victoria available to make appointments at Winch House to discuss any small business tax questions. Call Winch House to arrange a time and date for confidential appointments
Individual & Family Counseling - This free service is provided by Joy Schmidt of CentaCare and is available to support rural businesses, families & communities. For an appointment Ph: 5221 7055.
Grief Counseling - This free service is provided by Paul Downie of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Services and can help people walk through their journey of grief. For an appointment Ph: 5221 4788.
Funeral Planning - This obligation free service is provided by Michelle Van Liessum of Tuckers Funeral & Bereavement Services. They believe that funeral planning should be a part of everyone’s retirement blueprint. For an appointment Ph: 5221 4788.
Coordinated Playgroup - If you would like to meet other parents, share your highs and lows and spend some fun time with your child come along to our coordinated playgroup on Fridays from 10.30 - 12.00 at Winch House. Cost is free.
Yoga - Samata Yoga is a raj yoga, which utilises gentle stretching exercises, deep relaxation, meditation and breathing techniques to enhance the health and wellbeing of its students. Samata yoga is appropriate for people of all age groups and stages of fitness. Classes are Tuesday 6.30pm-8.00pm and Friday 9.30-11.00 @ Winch House. Cost is $10 per session or $90 per 10 week term.
Hippy Program - A free 60 week (over 2 years) home based early childhood enrichment program. Contact Kim Culture at Glastonbury for more information Ph: 0409 582 020.
Jump into a Story - Story time for all. Last Friday of every month 10.30 - 11.30 am. Cost $1 per child.
Wednesday Craft Group - Come along and share your enjoyment of craft with others. All you need to bring is your own craft project. Each Wednesday at Winch House at 10.00am.
Book Club - Due to the success of the evening book group, we are looking for expressions of interest to join a day book club. If you are interested please leave your name and contact details at Winch House.

Winchelsea Occasional Childcare

Winchelsea Occasional Childcare provides a safe and nurturing learning environment for all ages from six weeks to six years. We aim to give parents a short break and for the children to gain new friends and more challenging experiences. Winch House is a non-profit organisation, with funding from DPDC, ACFE and Surf Coast Shire to support the community.
OPENING HOURS:
Mondays 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
Thursdays 9.00 am - 2.00 pm
Tuesdays - new trial day starts 13 April , so book ASAP
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN TERM 2: The Winchelsea Occasional care has a fresh new start to the year, thanks to our new outdoor yard. We have fresh sand and mulch, new paths, vegetable garden, flower beds and rock gardens. We would like to thank Seaside Gardens Anglesea for giving up their time to make the yard happen for the children of our community. We acknowledge their hard work and precious time they place into creating this beautiful yard. We also would like to thank our sponsors Winchelsea Community Bank, Surf Coast Shire and Department of Early Education and Children’s Development, for their generous contribution. The yard has had a great response from the children playing and the community.
TUESDAY TRIAL DAY: We are trialling a 3rd day of operation from 13th April 2010. Please come and support this day to make it a permanent day. For more information, enrolment forms or bookings please call Winch house on Ph 5267 2028
Cost - $33.00 for one chlid, $32.00 2nd child, $31.00 3rd Child. Buy multiple sessions and save.
WHAT TO BRING: Lunch box and water bottle - with a variety of healthy morning tea snacks and sandwich for lunch, spare clothes, hat, sunscreen, nappies and wipes and any comfort items.
CHILDCARE WHILE STUDYING: Winch House receives funding for cost reduced childcare towards some of our courses. If you would like to update your computer skills, return to the workforce or work towards a career change, call in and ask reception which courses qualify.