Hello Reader,

It's Terrie here.

When I heard from Seniors in Melbourne that there was a guided tour of St Albans Market as part of the Victorian Seniors Festival, I jumped at the chance. I actually grew up in St Albans but hadn’t been back for over 25 years — so it felt like the perfect opportunity for a nostalgic day out.

I caught the train up from Geelong and couldn’t help but smile thinking of my teenage self sprinting for the train to my first city job. Of course, the old boom gates and platforms have long gone, replaced with a modern underground station. The market itself, which has been around since 1973, was new to me — and what a delight it was!

Our wonderful guide, Simon, introduced us to stallholders and shared stories of the area’s multicultural history. We sampled dried fruits, nuts, and beautifully fresh produce while chatting with the locals. I loved one sign that read, “We speak English, Italian, Maltese, Vietnamese!” — perfectly capturing the community spirit.

The walking tour was easy and flat, with Simon and the friendly Brimbank Council team (Terri and Deb) making sure everyone felt comfortable. After exploring the main street, we settled in for a delicious Vietnamese lunch — think crispy spring rolls, fragrant rice, and the best chicken coleslaw I’ve ever had.

And the treats didn’t stop there! We visited Pista House for Indian sweets (each of us got a box to take home) and finished the afternoon with coffee in a laneway decorated with colourful street art.

It was such a friendly, relaxed group — full of laughter and conversation. Even if you go alone, you’ll feel right at home. I left with a full belly, a happy heart, and a promise to myself to return next year. Have you done anything like this before?

Enjoy your week,
Terrie

P.S. Apparently the Brimbank Council hosts similar food tours throughout the year, so check on their website if you're interested, and no doubt we'll list those upcoming events here, too!

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​Discover the Charm of Fitzroy Gardens​ Stroll through one of Melbourne’s most beautiful green spaces, filled with fountains, flowers, and historic treasures like Cook’s Cottage. Plan your outing

“ Cook's Cottage was another surprise and a first-time visit for me. The rooms were small and the feeling of how a large family managed to live in such a small area with only basic amenities drives it home how fortunate we are in this 21st century with our many comforts and luxuries. ​ I was surprised to hear that the cottage was actually James Cook’s father’s cottage which was transported to Melbourne, from England, for a special celebration. ​Read more here.​ — Terrie

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WHAT'S ON - Mark Your Calendars

• ​Sincerely Yours Tribute Shows (11 Nov & 20 Nov 2025). This special show brings Dame Vera Lynn to life in a 70-minute performance filled with music, memories, and a few surprises.​
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• ​Treasures of the Viking Age: The Galloway Hoard (until 26 Jan 2026). Travel back in time to early medieval Scotland and discover the unique and mysterious treasure trove of Viking-age treasures, from jewellery, personal heirlooms and one-of-a-kind objects from as far away as Central Asia. At Melbourne Museum, Seniors Card tickets $24.
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• ​Chocolate, Cherries & Cheese Day Trip (weekdays from 10 Nov – 19 Dec 2025). CherryHill Orchards and Yarra Valley Dairy are offering the ultimate mid-week day trip (self-drive experience) in the heart of the Yarra Valley.
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• ​Super Bloom at Abbotsford Convent (until Dec 2025). Experience the beauty of Super Bloom, a living installation of wild spring flowers by celebrated horticulturist Jac Semmler, planted and tended by Melbourne Polytechnic students and volunteers. Free, no bookings required.
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• ​International Rose Garden Festival Morwell (7–8 Nov 2025). Celebrate 4,000 roses in bloom at this free community festival. Enjoy Costa Georgiadis as guest judge, live music, workshops, family activities, food stalls, and AGL Loy Yang’s dazzling Night Light displays.
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• ​Candlelig​ht Concerts (various dates). Discover the beauty of Candlelight Concerts in iconic venues across Melbourne, showcasing a variety of musical genres under the soft glow of candlelight. Various dates and venues.Tickets from $25. Book tickets here.​

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