The annual Thank You reception to Gully News volunteers was held at Ferntree Gully Bowling Club on Wednesday 18 May.

The door prize of a very large box of Darrel Lea chocolates was donated by Nick Wakeling and won by a beaming Ila Mack, a regular contributor to Gully News, who was thrilled as she said she has never, ever won anything and will be very happy to spread the chocolates amongst her 15 grandchildren.

Janet Claringbold, CEO of Mountain District Learning Centre (who auspice the paper) introduced the guests who thanked the volunteers, on behalf of the Gully community.

Anne Boyd took the opportunity to thank a small group of talented people who have contributed to the paper for many years, especially: Graham Crichton for his fire safety information from FTG CFA, Teresa Cannon for feature articles and deep understanding of all that the Gully (and Gully News) stands for, Peter Stagg’s words of wisdom and great railway stories, Barbara Oehring’s fabulous photos that often tell us things about ourselves we did not know, Gemma Franks for food features and Jens-Kristian Toft Hansen who has formatted the paper since issue No.1.