Discovery Day 2014 in Ferntree Gully Village

This year’s Discovery Day set out to share the stories of the Gully – celebrating community groups, a rich history and community spirit.

Ferntree Gully Village came alive with fun and festivities galore – with fire engines and the big red bus on display at the CFA, a Trash and Treasure Market at MDLC, and a giant slide in The Avenue. Meanwhile Station Street became an arts and craft precinct, with stalls for the Artisan Market set up in the car park.

There were street performances by the Glengoldies, Dixieland Jazz and FTG North Primary School, and an Op Shop fashion parade in Village Court.

Always popular, the sausage sizzle at Marty’s Meats attracted a line, as did the cupcake stall outside Jennifer Anne’s Cakes.

There were plenty of activities for the kids, too, with Storytime, a giant game of chess, and a game of street cricket outside the CFA proving to be hits.

It was also the first year of the Children’s Mystery Trail, with youngsters, armed with a set of clues, following colourful paw prints through the Village in a journey to find the Swagman’s dog. Those who found the dog were awarded a special badge and invited to write a story for the paper.

Down by the railway crossing under the chestnut tree, Gully News Editor Anne Boyd told the story of the Swagman and how he came to be in Ferntree Gully. A little later, another group gathered near the station to hear Bill Ireland tell the stories of the Railway. The historical society also led tours through the cemetery talking about its history, and the pioneers who first settled here.

All this was ably organised by Dianne Lagerwey under the auspices of MDLC, the Lower Gully Traders Association, the CFA, the Uniting Church and many other community groups.

It was a great day, and I look forward to Discovery Day again next year.

Meg Hellyer