Celebration fit for a royal

A ‘royal baby’ celebration at Horsham Uniting Church on June 12 will help raise money for Wimmera services and charities.

Starting at 6pm, the evening includes a three-course meal and guests are invited to bring baby gifts and donations to be placed in ‘Archie’s’ crib for services including Wimmera Base Hospital’s Yandilla ward.

The event follows a succession of ‘royal moments in time’ at Horsham Uniting Church, including a Prince Harry and Meghan Markle mock wedding last year.

Event coordinator Janice Merrett said the celebrations were for people to not only ‘have a bit of fun’, but to contribute something meaningful to their community.

“We always look for an excuse to get together, but the main reason we do these events is to raise money,” she said.

“When we celebrated the birth of Prince George, Prince William and Kate Middleton’s first born son, we took 96 presents to the Yandilla ward at the Wimmera Base Hospital.

“The girls there said people would be surprised at how many women have very little for their newborn, so that inspired us to do it again.”

Mrs Merrett said guests could bring a Christening gown or favourite baby doll to be displayed on the night.

Horsham Uniting Church will also be offering a pickup and drop-off service for people who cannot find transportation to the event.

People can buy tickets for $20 each and find more information about transportation at the Uniting Church Office in Pynsent Street or by calling 5382 4380. Bookings are essential.