St Albans Seniors Club Brings Together Friendship, Food and Tradition
By Suzana Fantov
Photos: Boris Čerina
The Australian Croatian Seniors Club St Albans meets regularly every Wednesday in the social rooms of the Dinamo St Albans Soccer Club. Members enjoy warm companionship, entertainment, and a traditionally prepared communal lunch. This gathering has become a hallmark for the vibrant seniors club community.
Weekly gatherings
Although the number of attendees has slightly decreased in recent years due to the advancing age of members, the club still brings together around sixty individuals. They value these weekly get-togethers as a cherished part of their routine. It is indeed a cherished activity in the seniors club for this community.
The seniors club also fosters connections with other Croatian pensioner groups across Victoria. They often organise joint excursions and community visits.
Four to five times a year, members are treated to a complimentary lunch — a long-standing tradition that brings everyone together in celebration and gratitude.
Gentlemen Serve the Ladies: Mother’s Day Tradition
One of the club’s most recent events was held in honour of Mother’s Day. Members and guests were treated to a lively musical performance by Ivica Fonti. His repertoire added a joyful note to the occasion.
Each female member was greeted at the door with a lovely flower as a small but heartfelt gift. Also, warm wishes were delivered by club president Marica Grgurić. This event showcased the vibrant spirit fostered by this part of the seniors club.
It was an afternoon filled with celebration, music, and appreciation. This was a fitting tribute to all the mothers, grandmothers, and women of the club. It reminded everyone of the strength and spirit that continue to thrive in this close-knit Croatian community.
“A complimentary lunch and homemade cakes, prepared by our hardworking ladies, were served by the male members of the club — a well-established tradition for this special day. With good music, delicious food, and sweet treats, there was no shortage of laughter and good cheer.
As a member of this dynamic seniors club, I would like to take this opportunity to invite all readers to visit us on Wednesdays and support our club. You certainly won’t regret it. And to all mums, grandmothers, and those who are yet to become one, I wish you a very happy Mother’s Day, on behalf of myself and the club,” said the club treasurer, Ilija Vrselja.
See whats happening at Melbourne Croatia’s Senior Club.