News

Rochy welcomes the Eastern Rosellas

By Lua Ikenasio

Nov 21, 2025

The Eastern Rosellas Group gathered in Rochester. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Around 46 solo travellers made their way to Rochester on Monday, November 17 for the Eastern Rosellas’ most recent chapter meet.

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Fellow members and locals to Rochester, Marlene Hodgens and Stewart Ayson, hosted the meet and welcomed the travellers to town.

Rosanna Grifone travelled with her dog. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Travellers came from Mornington, Ballarat, Melbourne, Wodonga and Wangaratta to take part in the meet.

While a few were new to solo travelling, many were seasoned members, such as Angela Watson.

Hailing from Wangaratta, Ms Watson has been part of the Campervan and Motorhome Club of Australia and the Solo’s Network for 10 years.

Travellers spent the morning chatting over tea and a game of disc bowls. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Ms Watson said the meets are a chance for sightseeing and companionship.

“When I found myself on my own... I (started) golf, tennis, crafting, socialising then I needed more, so I went and bought a motorhome,” she said.

“I just love it and I love the lifestyle. I don’t live in it, but I’m away probably collectively over the whole year, maybe about four to five months.

“I enjoy the companionship and seeing so many different places.”

Gayle Armstrong, John Campbell and Angela Watson playing disc bowls. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

During their four-day stay in Rochester, the group took part in various activities both at the reserves and throughout Rochester.

The visitors enjoyed a trip to the bowls club for barefoot bowls, followed by dinner catered by the Rochester Lions Club.

On Wednesday, the group enjoyed a trip to the sports museum followed by a guided tour of the murals led by Wayne Park before ending the night at the Shamrock Hotel.

Line dancing was a popular activity. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

The group also visited a nearby strawberry farm to pick their own strawberries on the Thursday.

At the reserve, there was disc bowls, line dancing, board games, a bit of golf putting and happy hour every day.

Faye Blainey, Sandy Hardman and Bernice McCabe playing mahjong. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

Ms Hodgens said the event was so successful, the travellers were already looking forward to returning.

“It's a relief that it's going well and everyone's happy, and it's good for the town,” she said.

“I think the main thing is that I'm very, very proud of my town and people just loved it here, and they are very keen to come back.”

David Kerrisk with his campervan. Photo by JORDAN TOWNROW

In total, the travellers spent over $7000 in Rochester during their stay.

Ms Hodgens would like to thank all those who helped make the meet a success, including Wayne Park, Rob Clayton, Graham Wills, the Rochester Lions Club, Rochy Pizza, the Shamrock Hotel, Rochester Rotary Club and the 4RS committee.