The Ballan Red Cross has celebrated its 110th anniversary in style.
From 11am to 1pm on August 20, branch members were joined by locals, politicians, community figures and the Red Cross Victoria director at the Ballan Mechanic’s Institute building – the original meeting place of the group more than a century ago.
Branch chair Anne Eskdale said the special occasion was “fantastic.”
“The hall was full. We had more than 100 people there and we raised nearly $5000 on the day for Red Cross,” she said.
There were three particular guests who represented the commitment and dedication of the branch, said Ms Eskdale.
“We had three people there whose great grandmother was a founding member. One of them is still a member today so we’ve had continual membership from that family.”
The Ballan and District Bendigo Bank contributed $1000 through a grant which helped make the day possible.
Ballan’s is the second oldest Red Cross branch in Victoria, setting up a week after the first branch in Melbourne.
