Our Chapter Rally for the month of October was conducted at pristine Clarence Point located on the Tamar River, Northern Tasmania. Peter & Wendy T33058 hosted the Rally.They planned a full on weekend with plenty to see and do.With both residing in the area they were able to relate all the history plus introduce us to the pleasant and tranquil life style enjoyed by the locals.
Looking across the River from our Rally site Pontoon nearby used for fishing competition
There had been considerable work carried out at the Rally venue with Peter, Don and Norm mowing the grass earlier in the week ensuring all was ready for the arrival of Chapter members and visitors.
There were a few members that elected to arrive thursday afternoon and what a pleasant surprise to see our hosts had the fire alight and the kettle boiling which was really appreciated. With the bulk of our members returning from touring the mainland it augured well for an excellent Rally.

Thursday arrivals set up

 Having a general chat prior to happy hour on Thursday
After our happy hour and evening meal we adjourned to a vacant block just up from our Rally site and sat around a very warm fire that Peter had underway, which was very enjoyable. Whilst we chewed the fat we had a small shower; though that did not deter us, just put up the umbrella mate! The burning stump took days to dispose of, this of course meant we could go from camp fire to camp fire at will, which was excellent.
By the fire after our meal, note umbrella. Large tree stump being burnt out and enjoyed for its warmth

There were a few showers of rain during the night; though by morning they had cleared. A few members elected to go for a walk around the village as a means of exercise and to get a feeling for the community spirit that abounds, what wonderful views the locals have of the mountains, the river and distant industrial areas.
 It wasn't long before the bulk of Chapter Members were being parked up and welcomed to the fire and kettles that were bubbling away.
With the fishing competition underway at 10 am it didn't take long for participants to walk to the pontoon trying their luck, to say there were some who were disappointed is an understatement. Many were to go back and forth during the day not wanting miss what was happening back at the Rally site.
Eddie was the first to catch fish landing two flathead at once, they were both below the legal limit and returned to the water, shortly thereafter he caught another flathead that was to hold the record of being the largest fish for the next twenty four hours. Norm and Jim were to catch fish though they did not measure up to Eddie's catch.
The fishing competition underway Steady influx of members on the Friday
Our happy hour saw President Ian greeting members and welcoming visitors from other local chapters and interstate members, after our happy hour frivolity and evening meal we all came together in the Hall across from our venue for a most funny and memorable evening.
Peter and Wendy had arranged for Don to bring along his movie machine and for the next three hours we were to be racked in laughter watching movies of Tony Hancock, Are you being served and Fawlty Towers.
It was obvious that we all were enthralled to watch the old time english comedy's which is much different to today's sit coms that sometimes rely on smut to generate laughter.
We all enjoyed the humorous movies and we are sure that there wasn't a dry eye in the house, so to speak. then we were off to bed around 11pm or around the fire for another cuppa or drop of port.
Enjoying the Friday night's entertainment Looking up river at the Abalone Farm
Saturday dawned a fine sunny day with just a slight breeze and Norm was the first to commence fishing being determined to catch a fish that warranted a prize. Many decided to walk down to Garden Island and have a look see at the area and the Abalone farm. All were surprised to see the size of the complex especially the many filtration tanks on one side of the road and the breeding and growing tanks on the other under hot house structures.
Abalone filtration tanks Abalone breeding and growing tanks under hot house conditions
On arriving back from the trip to the Abalone farm members we were observe more members trickling in and the talk again mainly was about the many trips that members had undertaken on the mainland during the Tassie winter.
The fishing competition continued with gusto with there being no room on the punt especially with the local people arriving to try their luck. So by late afternoon there were few still fishing though Eddie had lost his lead to Barry who had caught a larger flathead not to mention the biggest clump of seaweed.
Our intrepid fishermen still at it Barry with his large haul of sea weed
During the afternoon late comers set up and quickly were into the swing of things with Evelyn displaying her skills in the craft area by creating Christmas memorabilia and teaching a few of the ladies the intricate stitches and methods utilised to complete the decorations. All were impressed with the skill Evelyn displayed and were thankful that the methods employed were there for all to learn and put into practice.
It was good to see a few members visit us in their motor vehicles unable to stay for the Rally, those being John & Audrey, Anthony & Joy and Bill & Dianne.
The happy hour commenced with quite a few caught unawares that our President had a list of recent and future birthdays, the usual happy birthday song was to be heard echoing across the river and down onto the pontoon.
Resting up having a chat A few of the arrivals during the weekend
After our evening meal we all adjourned to the hall where Peter & Wendy had arranged for a trivia quiz to be held, of course like the rest of the activities to date it was conducted with much gusto and much laughter. As usual the competition being as competitive as it could be, meant that everyone were winners and chocolates and other goodies were distributed to all participants. Doesn't time fly when you are having fun.
Awaiting the start of the trivia competition Attempting to nut out the answers
After the trivia we were treated to an skit from the "Snaffu" Band (our members) with the lead singer playing the Buffoon with the aid of a hacksaw, other band members played the Lager phone and condom pipe. Members of the audience had control over cymbal, rattlers and music sticks.
There was much laughter with one member stating that all the singing was in B flat which bought forth more laughter, after the initial singing and telling of jokes there was a sterling rendition of the chorus of Waltzing Matilda by all. This entertainment and the trivia competition made the evening most memorable and after leaving the hall many went to the fires and had a later than usual Happier Hour.
Lead singer and Buffoon player from "Snaffu" Band Heavy into the musical sound from the Buffoon and condom pipe
Sunday morning bought forth a heavy river fog that cleared around 10am leaving a fine sunny day and being the last day of the Rally most gathered around the tea and coffee pots saying our final farewells. Peter & Wendy declared the fishing competition closed and announced the winners. They were for the largest scale fish caught, First place went to Barry, Second went to Eddie and third place to Norm for his catch and perserverence.
Awaking to a foggy morning Prizes for the fishing competition.
There was unanumous agreement that the weekend Rally was a tremendous success, and special thanks went to our hosts Peter & Wendy for the wonderful organisation ensuring a laughter filled weekend. this was reflected by the slowness of members to depart the Rally Site with most staying on until 4pm and after.

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