Marlene Hodgens and Stewart Ayson have been busy planning the chapter meet over the past eight months.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
The Eastern Rosellas campervan and motorhome group is set to descend on Rochester from Monday, November 17 to Friday, November 21 for its members’ monthly meet.
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The event will see 40 solo travellers from around Victoria gather at the Rochester Racecourse Recreation Reserve to enjoy five days of exploring what Rochy has to offer.
Members will travel from places such as Mornington, Ballarat, Melbourne, Wodonga and Wangaratta for the chapter meet.
Over the past eight months, Rochester locals Marlene Hodgens and Stewart Ayson have been busy organising the event.
Mr Ayson said the chapter meet would hopefully inject some money into the community.
“At the (state) rallies we spend $100,000-plus because there's 400 people, but here, we will still spend a couple of thousand bucks,” he said.
“Put in fuel, our fee to stay and hall hire — it all adds up.”
Mrs Hodgens and Mr Ayson look forward to welcoming the travellers to the Rochester Racecourse Recreation Reserve.
Photo by
JORDAN TOWNROW
During the five-day meet, the group will take part in various activities both at the reserve and around Rochester.
Highlights will include barefoot bowls at the bowling green, a tour of the town’s murals and a visit to the sports museum.
The Lions Club will host a barbecue on Tuesday night, and attendees will enjoy dinner at the Shamrock Hotel on Wednesday.
At the reserve, participants can also try novelty games, golf putting, indoor games, cards, board games and more.
Some members will lead jewellery-making sessions and daily line dancing, while an electrician in the group will share tips on RV electrical safety with fellow travellers.
Mrs Hodgens, who joined the group in March, said the group provided companionship for those who enjoyed travelling solo.
“It’s good for men and women to be able to have support when they’re travelling. They may have gone through huge upheaval in their life, and it’s a really stabilising and secure thing to do,” she said.
“I don’t feel as anxious travelling because I’ve either got someone travelling with me or I’m meeting someone when I get there.
“I really love it, and it’s been fantastic for me to be able to get out and go places.”
While the event is for members only, the group welcomes anyone interested in learning more about the group to stop by at the reserve for a chat.
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