COMMUNITY groups based at the Reidy Park Centre will host an open day to coincide with the Mount Gambier and District Orchid Society’s annual spring show tomorrow.
Backstage Incorporated, the South East Radio Group, Mount Gambier History Group, Philatelic Society and the Mount Gambier Martial Arts Academy share the building on O’Halloran Terrace.
The corridors in the former school building now lead to the meeting rooms of the various groups, each filled with eclectic treasures, from props and stage costumes to historic records.
Members of each group will conduct tours through their respective spaces from 10am to 4pm.
“All are welcome to attend – we thought the spring show presented an opportunity to open our doors to the public so they can see what is on offer through the various groups,” Reidy Park Association secretary Robert Wood said.
“When the Reidy Park Infant School was vacated 20 years ago, Mount Gambier City Council sought expressions of interest from community groups to lease the building.
“The groups that were selected as tenants decided how they would like the rooms fitted out and the building was remodelled accordingly.
“We have now been operating with each of the current tenants for close to 20 years.”
The orchid society meets monthly to promote orchid growing and culture and members attend workshops and shows.
“We will have plant sales and potting demonstrations at our spring show and we expect between 60 and 70 orchids will be on display,” Mr Wood said.
“The show will be judged by four of the five Australian Orchid Council judges who reside in South Australia and outside the Adelaide Metropolitan area.”
The South East Radio Group clubrooms will be open and members will be on hand to demonstrate the capabilities of their radios, while members of the history group will also be available to talk about its research and preservation of records.
Members of the Philatelic Society will be happy to discuss any aspect of philately and representatives from the Martial Arts Academy will conduct tours of the premises.
Both the orchid show and open day will run from 10am to 4pm on Saturday, while the spring show will continue on Sunday.
