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From the very first moment of arriving at the Carnacoo Scout Camp at Paper Beach it became apparent that this was to be a very happy, relaxing and enjoyable Rally. The Rally site set amongst pleasant Bush surroundings just moments from the beach on the Tamar River was to set the mood of friendship, celebration and laughter for the weekend.
Our President Ian and Vice President Brian welcomed each Motorhome as they arrived and then directed them to the registration desk and "Uncle" Dick who had undertaken the task. "Uncle" Dick also ensured the hot water urns were always full and boiling for a cuppa after setting up on our sites.

"Uncle" Dick taking a registration
Smiles galore at the registration desk
Our parking officer Peter resplendent in his fluorescent jacket very quickly had us all parked including our three members who required power for health reasons, those reliant on solar power were seen to smile when recognising the abundance of trees would reduce solar efficiency over the weekend. It was the pleasant surroundings that gave an air of tranquility, the laughter from the disc bowls players was plentiful and members were seen to be chatting to their friends that had arrived back from their travels from interstate, no doubt catching up with the latest news and travel tales, laughter was the order of the day all round.
Parked amongst the trees
Plenty of Space to set up
Friday, for our evening meal we had our usual free barbecue of sausages and hamburgers for all, in the evening saw us in the hall watching the video's on Motorhoming around Tasmania, the show went for two hours plus and was enjoyed by all, then off to bed; for the day had been humid though this did not stop a few having an extended happy happier hour. Saturday dawned and what a beautiful day it was to be, while many of us relaxed, Officers and the Committee and other members were flat out preparing for our evening Christmas meal.
Debbie, Michelle & Margaret in the kitchen preparing vegetables
President Ian & Committee person Bill preparing rotisserie meats
It was a real hive of activity with preparation of vegetables and cooking of the lamb, beef and turkey on the rotisserie, now what is strange about that you might say? Well a lot, we lost electrical power due to storms in other areas of the Tasmania at the crucial cooking time. So out came the Chapters generator and the rotisserie was back on line cooking away. The baked potatoes, pumpkin and other vegetables were farmed out to various motorhome's and cooked on and in their gas stoves.
As has been the tradition for some years now Ron and Rita so kindly cooked ten old fashioned plum puddings, a special thanks to both Ron & Rita for producing such fine traditional plum pudding's especially in times of sickness and limited mobility.
Ron & Rita plus "Uncle" Dick
Ron & Rita's wonderful traditional plum pudding
The humidity of the day did not assist the cooks and others preparing the traditional Christmas Dinner they were using anything available as a fan, those not involved in the cooking assisted in setting up tables and chairs and the woman folk were to decorate the tables with christmassy decorations. Then it was time to enjoy what was on offer. It was just like a production line and carried out quickly and efficiently so everyone was served and seated quickly.
The carving of the succulent meats
Serving up the Christmas Dinner

Chaplain Clarry was responsible for saying Grace prior to the meal and our entertainment was supplied by Allan and Annette who during the meal had christmas carols as a soft background to the noise of rattling cutlery and chatter plus laughter.
The meal was such that there were no complaints as there was plenty for all and those members and visitors who hadn't booked for the meal were welcome to join us in the festivities.

Enjoying the meal
Santa watching over our members

After the main course was finished we had the pleasure of Santa visiting us, he had us singing Christmas Carols while distributing his good will and many items of confectionary, we were a little worried for when he made his entrance he became entangled in a chair and when leaving slamming into the door that opened outwards rather than inwards , this bought much laughter.
Then it was to have that beautiful plum pudding with brandy sauce and fruit salad and ice cream all in the one bowl if you wanted, what a beautiful meal and a special thanks to all those who had a hand in preparing, cooking and getting it all together.
Awaiting the call for christmas pudding
Santa with his bag of goodies
After the meal our erstwhile Sheriff was to again to take many to task for their actions again to much laughter, the Sheriff then presented his yearly awards to the following:
2004 Silly Billy Award went to Norm for climbing out of the rear window of his van whilst sleep walking.
2004 Nice Gal Award went to Liz for her work and generous assistance to all members
2004 Nice Guy Award went to Peter for his poetry renditions and his kindness to all members.
We all then danced the night away with some joining in and singing along with Alan on the stage, it was obvious that we would not take much rocking to go to sleep for it had been such a full day with good Chapter friends and guests plus plenty of laughter for our Christmas Rally for 2004.
A few of our 10 year C.M.C.A. Members
Jim & Liz trying to sing (?) along with Alan our entertainer

Sunday dawned and there were not many early risers and the few that were about all had cups of tea or coffee sipping away. At Ten am we had our Annual General Meeting and General Meeting, after four years on the Committee both Bill and Dianne were hanging up their gloves so to speak and look forward to relaxing at future rally's. A special thank you for the excellent work you both have carried out that has bought much enjoyment to members.
All told there are six new Committee Members along with a new Vice President so our chapter is still strong in management and finances, we have adopted from other Chapters the emergency response formula with some slight changes which should make it easier for our members to sleep at night.
At lunch time we had the cold meat left over from Christmas Dinner, along with sausages and hamburgers; though it appears that our chefs no longer sing when cooking. Now was the time for all to say goodbye after all the Christmas Greetings and New Years wishes and vowing to meet again at Kimberley for the New Year Festivities.
It would be remiss of us if we didn't acknowledge that the success of the Rally and Christmas Dinner was clearly due to the hard work of our hosts Brian & Christine, Bill & Dianne also Margaret who organised the kitchen and serving of the meals superbly and to our President Ian who also ensured that each hiccup was handled quickly and fixed.

December
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