By John Granger
This august publication and humble writer would never stoop to crass commercial promotion, but a recent trip to Castlemaine started a process.
Travelling from Melbourne CBD to Castlemaine by train takes less than two hours. And, seriously, Castlemaine is a delight! The ‘Goldfields’ area bespeaks the vibrant history of Victoria’s early development. There are nearby townships such as Chewton and its miners’ cottages, sometimes with wisps of chimney smoke. Also, there are many artefacts from that fabulous era that made Victoria and Melbourne a financial powerhouse in the 1880s. Castlemaine embraces its past … there’s the Theatre Royal where the controversial dancer Lola Montez once appeared, the local railway station hosting steam train trips to historical Maldon and the historical shopfront buildings. Then there are the 19th century coffee houses, which have given way to boutique eating venues, artistic pursuits, weekend craft and produce markets – and yes, even freshly brewed coffee. Castlemaine is a daytrip, an indulgent weekend or even something more enduring.
So, back to the “crass” … what a choice: a reserved train seat, time to read, email and prepare for the day ahead, instead of performing the urban ritual of ‘white knuckling’ up and down the Monash Freeway for an hour plus.
The Rotary Club of Castlemaine, sponsored by Rotary Bendigo, was chartered in 1935, making it one District 9800’s oldest clubs. Like all country clubs, Castlemaine has been an active community participant at all levels. As well, the Club has been very conscious of a commitment to youth and continues to sponsor participants in RYLA, RYPEN and the Rotary National Youth Science Forum. Donations In Kind (DIK) has facilitated the transport of Castlemaine containers to Papua New Guinea. Larry O’Toole, a recent Paul Harris Fellow recipient, has combined with the Club, and through Autoplex, a mentorship in the hot-rodding community, which extends to developing areas of mechanics, artwork and history. Fortuitously, the June long weekend sees the Rotary Castlemaine Art Show and the Castlemaine Jazz Festival held together – a great fillip for the Club and the town. Beyond that, the Rotary Club of Castlemaine Truck Show – a must for the aficionados – will be held for the 33rd time.
President Christine Barkla has advised that the meeting venue has changed – it is now at the Castlemaine Bowling Club on nominated Wednesdays 6.00 for 6.30pm (check the website).
Beautiful, historical Castlemaine … keep it on the ‘to do’ list!
