Kallista resident John Johnstone and friend Marilyn Phillips toast the opening of the Forest Edge gates for a day of music in aid of the Breast Cancer Foundation.By Ed Merrison
HILLS residents are being invited to raise money for charity during a day of elegant enjoyment in a beautiful private garden.
Kallista resident John Johnstone is opening the gates of Forest Edge, his beloved Baringa Avenue home, for a day of music on Sunday, 26 February.
Proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Breast Cancer Foundation, while more than $4000 worth of prizes will be raffled off exclusively to guests attending the event.
Guests can bring their own picnic baskets and wine to enjoy while listening to a range of music in the Edna Walling-designed gardens.
Also of interest is the house itself, which dates back to 1948 and became famous as the holiday home of celebrities Bob and Dolly Dyer of the 1950s and 1960s television quiz show Pick-a-Box.
Mr Johnstone said Kallista Cellars would host a wine bar in the garden, though the experienced charity campaigner remained tight-lipped about the full array of attractions, keeping a few surprises up his sleeve for when guests wander beyond the property’s ornate gates.
“I believe (the guests) are going to have a lovely day, and enjoy the garden of course,” he said.
“I want to promise a lot and to deliver more than I promise.”
Although Mr Johnstone had no doubt the day would be a great deal of fun, the purpose of the day was to promote and raise money for the breast cancer cause.
“The bottom line is helping others. Breast cancer is a big problem and I want to do something to help out,” he said.
Tickets for the event from 12.30pm to 5.30pm, cost $25 and are available by calling Mr Johnstone on 9755 1582 between 7pm and 9pm.
