Train ride to make history

By Tania Martin
THE Make Poverty History campaign is coming to Knox and Emerald next weekend to help raise awareness of worldwide poverty.
Emerald residents Emmanuelle Blake, Sue Pakham, Kathy Tyler and many of their friends and a host of volunteers have organised a Make Poverty History train ride and picnic on Saturday, 10 December.
The group has invited everyone to join in to help send a message to world leaders that it is time to tackle poverty.
At 10.30am on Saturday the Puffing Billy train will leave Belgrave Station and travel to Lakeside Station in Emerald.
Those taking part in the campaign will be holding large letters that spell out ‘Make Poverty History’.
Following the train ride, a picnic, live music, a fair, crafts and children’s stalls, and paddle boat rides will be held from 11am to 3.30pm at Emerald Lake Park.
Meanwhile, Ferntree Gully residents Stephen Barrington and Mike Lane, together with local churches, businesses and politicians, are in the final stages of planning and promoting a day of free entertainment to help promote the campaign.
The day of entertainment and fun will take centre stage at the Ferntree Gully’s Arboretum on Dorset Road on Sunday, 11 December at noon.
Local bands will include Rivertribe, Vox Congo a group of asylum seekers and musicians, plus games, face painting and a barbecue.
Mr Barrington said local people were moving their family Christmas parties to the Arboretum so they could stand together in ending poverty while celebrating with relatives.
For further information on either event contact Kathy on 9755 1906 or Stephen Barrington on 8711 8677.