On the grapevine

Together with an abundance of birthday greetings from friends throughout the country were cards from the Australian Governor General David Hurley and Moira Shire Mayor Libro Mustica.

Jean was born in 1922 and in 1947 at the age of 24 she married the love of her life, Fred Winter. Fred had served during the war and on his return was offered a soldier settlement block in Singapore Rd where the couple toiled hard and made a good living on their dairy farm.

Jean continued in her role as a qualified teacher of textiles and home economics while also teaching history and social studies when needed at Cobram High School, later known as Cobram Secondary College.

A much-loved teacher, Jean worked hard and yet did more than teach. With her culinary skills she would often be asked to cook for visiting school inspectors and prepare morning tea regularly for staff members.

Fred and Jean did not have any family of their own, yet her students were like family to Jean, she cared for them and wanted the best for each and every one.

Jean retired from the education department in 1985 and was to be a great loss to the school, however it was now time for the couple to enjoy the next stage in their lives. They were devoted to their community and willing to help out when and where they could. They were also passionate about dancing, and could always be seen out and about enjoying dances throughout the district.

Sadly Fred passed away in 2009, a terrible blow to Jean for the devoted couple had been married for a period of 66 years.

Ten years later in 2019, Jean moved into Cobram Regional Care where she is respectfully cared for and enjoys the company of fellow residents and staff and has a particular fondness for Care dog Lucy.

A lover of handcrafts, Jean with her natural talents had been knitting and crocheting squares until recently, putting together rugs of all sizes and colours for various charities over a period of many years.

Today it is about doing what one feels like and a neat scotch occasionally at the end of the day is pure enjoyment and gives this wonderful centenarian a good night’s sleep.

Congratulations on a well-lived 100 years Jean.

Another drawcard for Cobram

Krystle and John Mantovani opened their new venture, Manto Produce and Providore on September 15, and in Krystle’s words, “We are completely humbled by the support from the community, it has just been amazing.”

The couple believed Cobram needed another drawcard to the town and it appears they are on a winner.

With the Mantovanis’ emphasis on fresh local produce at a reasonable price, shoppers are the winners, knowing that when they buy at The Providore, they are buying fres. It has not been kept in a coolstore for months.

Currently the couple not only offer fresh local vegetables and fruit at the best price, they also have a range of fresh pasta, pizza bases, Italian biscuits and delicious artisan breads delivered from Flourish Bakery in Corowa, twice weekly.

Keen to stock what customers are seeking at The Providore, they are gradually adding to the range of products which are growing weekly.

Locally grown oranges are freshly squeezed and now available.

There is a range of local cheeses which is being added to, a variety of condiments including salad dressings and sauces plus oils from internationally recognised olive oil producer Cockatoo Ridge, grown, picked and produced in Cobram. Also don’t forget MP Apple Crisps, they are a favourite on cheese platters and extremely healthy too.

Manto Produce is a wholesale business which supplies local fruit and vegetables to cafés, schools, restaurants, hotels and day care centres in Cobram and surrounding areas. “This is the core of our business,” said John.

If you haven’t dropped into The Providore, may I suggest you are missing out, it offers the best and freshest produce at reasonable prices and getting bigger and better by the day.

Open Monday to Friday from 8.30am to 6 pm and on Saturday from 8.30am to 2 pm.

Treat yourself, drop in today. The Providore is situated at 87-89 High St, Cobram.

Free Trivia afternoon for seniors

Feeling like you could do with a good day out again?

Cobram Senior Citizens Club invites you to put your general knowledge to the test on October 13, with a fun-filled afternoon of Trivia.

With a prize to the winning team of $100, competition will be fierce, so come along and you and your team may bring home the prize.

Free afternoon tea and refreshments will be provided.

This fun afternoon commences at 2.30pm at Cobram Senior Citizens Club, 3 Hay Ave, Cobram.

Bookings are essential so please contact Rosemary 0418 327 985 or Lois 0428 711 408.

Seniors luncheon on a wet day proved popular

Heavy rain last Friday did not dampen the spirits of 62 people who attended a free luncheon at Cobram Community House during the annual Seniors Festival.

Delicious hot soup, sandwiches, sausages rolls and quiches, fruit and dessert platters added cheer to the afternoon.

Attendees heard from local MP Tim McCurdy who welcomed them warmly, Ruth Ritchie of U3A who outlined the activities of the group, ensuring everyone that no, they did not need to commence formal studies again, U3A is about friendship, picking up a new skill or two or just enjoying organised outings.

While ‘Cowboy’ Eric Annabel spoke of his recent fundraiser bike ride and Sue Liebe, a Mental Health Counsellor from NCN Health, gave an interesting overview of her role.

The volunteers from Cobram Community House worked hard to ensure that the luncheon was a huge success and must be congratulated on their willingness to help others in the community.

The Community House under the leadership of Christine Osborne continually shows that it plays an integral role in the wellbeing of people in the Cobram Community.