Mentone on a Winter's Sunday Morning

Mentone Village has several cafes where a relaxing coffee can be had while watching the world go by.

It's been sometime since we did something on our Mentone village. When I say village, it's really a suburb but with a village feel. I believe that in the early days of Mentone it really was a village with community activities and people knew each other. Today I saw some of that activity where people were having the odd chin-wag while going about their Sunday morning business. The few cafes we have in Mentone village seemed to be doing good trade for breakfast as I walked by their windows.

We've lived here since 1982 and occasionally we also meet familiar faces while shopping - it's a comfortable feeling.

MENTONE RAILWAY STATION

As shown in the sign, our station was established in 1882 and brought day trippers from Melbourne to enjoy the beach or the horse racing at the now defunct Mentone Racecourse.

KILBREDA COLLEGE

Kilbreda College started life as a Coffee House - It retains much of its 1880s charm.

MENTONE GRAND HOMES

During the late 1800s when Mentone was being established, many stately homes were built that still exist today - some have been demolished to make way for new homes and some have taken on new identities.

This home is now a medical centre where previously is was a boarding home.

This stately home is now host to the Mentone RSL (returned soldiers) and most likely owned most of the surrounding land. Its been a while since we have been here for a meal, we must try it again soon.

These two homes have been restored from a derelict state. We had in fact looked at one of these and thought it would be too much work to improve. It's good to see them take on a new life rather than be replaced by a more modern home.

CHURCHES of MENTONE

Churches of different denominations hide amongst the houses of Mentone. In my late morning photographic travels I didn't see much activity on this particular Sunday.

AND THEN THERE'S THE BEACH!!!

That's why we live here.

This is the location of the old Mentone sea baths. Storms had damaged it over the years and it fell into disrepair and finally demolished - our beach is used all year round with a changing community need. Winter brings people walking their dogs and summer of course brings out the sun worshipers. With summer comes the true blue Aussie Life Saver.

No people - well it is a cold windy winter's morning but look at that view.

Hello, there is a hardy soul out jogging with his dog - and in shorts!

Well I hope you enjoyed our little walk together around Mentone this morning, I did.
Pop in for a squizz next Wednesday when we reminisce our travels from France into Italy.