|
 |
|
Clear blue sky's and a warm 27 degrees celsuis
greeted us when we arrived at our Chapters Christmas Rally, in the wonderful
farming community of Bishopsbourne. Our Hosts Denis and Trix were on
hand to greet us with Dick manning the registration desk. In no time at all we were parked up and out came our chairs and awnings and then the customary cuppa before we moved off to say hello to everyone. The amount of fifth wheelers in the Chapter is growing and due to their size they were grouped together, they attracted a lot of visitors having a gander, many members took the opportunity to have a look at their interiors, as they have so much room they can be likened to a large home. Even though a little chiding with their owners takes place it is all with good intent. |
 |
 |
| Friday morning chin wag under "Behavin" | Fifth wheeler heaven |
|
This Rally is the largest of the year for our Chapter
celebrating Christmas, so there is an air of excitement along with the
weather that ensures that it will be an excellent Rally. During the
afternoon many played disc bowls and then it was time for happy hour
when we all gathered for a big gabfest. The Sheriff was at his eloquent
best admonishing those who were not wearing their badges and those who
had failed to place a fire bucket by their vehicle, he let those members
and guests off with warning and next time caught threatened fines. |
 |
 |
 |
Warren
& Budgie |
Friday
Happy Hour |
"The
Sheriff" Sheriffing |
 |
|
Saturday dawned a pearler,
with the temperature in the low twenties at 8am, members were up and about
chatting away over a cuppa or cooking their breakfast on the barbecue;
with others having a late night, hanging to their bed. At 10am there was
a morning tea get together where we helped Eddie celebrate his 70th birthday
with a cake especially baked by his wife Audrey, after a hearty rendition
of Happy Birthday everyone was able to sample the excellent birthday cake.
Then an update of the forthcoming Combined Chapters Rally was given and
then after many questions being asked the various teams met to discuss
their various roles in ensuring the success of the rally. The enthusiasm
of members was very obvious and there is no doubt that they are looking
forward to the event. |
 |
 |
| Eddie cutting his 70th birthday cake | Bishopsbourne v Trevallyn |
|
Many of us were to grab whatever shade there
was and settled in watch the cricket match between Bishopsbourne and Trevallyn,
of course it would be remiss of us if we did not support the local team
in their efforts. Bishopsbourne had a good win so that spread a lot humour
and laughter amongst the local supporters which flowed onto us. Whilst many relaxed there were many who walked dogs who were suitably dressed for our Christmas frivolity, we had our usual happy hour and as there was a competition conducted to name the new tarp. There was much discussion as to what would be a suitable name, given that, there was a choice of names on a list handed to all attendees; it would all come down to which was the most popular name. Of course it wouldn't be the normal if our beloved Sheriff was not to fine us for demeanors, alleged or otherwise, the donations going to "Relay for Life". We had Russell from the Penguin "Relay for Life" project address us explaining the fine work already carried out and their future aspirations, he was excited about the amount of money raised to date by the Chapter with our ongoing raffles and from donations from outside sources. |
 |
 |
| Canines getting into Christmas spirit | Co-ordinator Russell and Brian of "Relay for Life" fundraiser |
 |
 |
| Settling in for Christmas Dinner | Christmas cheer prior to Christmas Dinner |
|
After happy hour it was off to our motorhomes
to dress for our Christmas Dinner, our hosts Denis and Trix were on
hand at the door wishing everyone a Merry Christmas, Denis looking resplendent
in his Tuxedo, then we were off to be seated on tables decorated by members
during the afternoon. Before our main course, we had Santa join us and in no time at all we had another Santa with Mrs Santa on his arm claiming the first was an imposter, there was much hilarity and a few Christmas Carols were sung as the three Santa's distributed lollies and good cheer to all. Then our meal arrived and what a wonderful meal it was, especially with the kitchen staff preparing our meal in such high heat in the kitchen area. Our entertainers the "Grey Nomads" gave us background carols while we ate our meal, there was much laughter so it was obvious everyone was enjoying themselves. Time for sweets and oh boy! what a spread! there would be no one left hungry and there was not one complaint heard from anyone rather praise was order of the night. Our hosts Denis & Trix had the catering staff come into the dining area and they recieved acclamation for the wonderful job they had done. |
 |
 |
 |
Our Santa's
distributing happiness |
Harmony
reigns |
A big thank
you for our Santa's |
|
|
|
There were many of us that dressed for the
occasion some in the most strange of attire, we all had a bit of a laugh
and then the entertainment commenced, it didn't take long for members
and guests to join in singing the many Christmas Carols. Our entertainers
were kind enough to distribute song sheets which made it much easier for
some of us old timers to remember the words. |
 |
 |
| Paul in the Christmas Spirit | Sally uses unusual items for Christmas attire |
 |
 |
| Singing Christmas Carols | Clarry and Jeane entertaining us with Carols |
|
We were lucky to have several groups of our members
take the lead in singing and as usual we enjoyed the singing of Clarry
and Jeane who always are able to show us the fine range of their voices,
especially Clarry who will celebrate his 80th birthday shortly. |
 |
 |
 |
Mrs Nice
Gal, Kaye |
Mr Nice
Guy, Mick |
Silly Billy
award to Anne |
|
|
|
Peter was to award the "Crumpet Trophy" to
Dick for the title of "Chief Crumpet Cooker" of the Chapter,
Peter was to tell us that Dick could burn, brown or otherwise in fact
cook them in many different ways though always making them edible, this
bought forth much laughter. |
 |
 |
| Peter with the crumpet award for Dick | Up and Dancing |
|
Sunday dawned very warm with plenty of smoke
from fires, there was a suggestion that the smoke had wafted across Bass
Strait from the horrific fires that are occurring in Victoria at the moment. As we moved down to our newly named tent " Bee Haven" you could smell the bacon wafting on the morning breeze along with the laughter, John and Colleen conducted the morning church service that was well attended and then it was time for our annual general meeting and then our general meeting. We have new members elected to the committee, so 2007 should be another good year for our Chapter and its members. After the meetings some said their final farewells and left early with others staying on until after lunch before heading out. Our next rally is at Bridport where we will welcome in the New Year with our hosts Mick and Kaye who indicated there are many exciting events planned. Finally, we thank both Denis & Trix for such an excellent rally and the opportunity to commence the Christmas spirit early, which no doubt will now stay with us all for quite awhile. |
 |
 |
 |
Still Dancing |
Gnome Guarding
the Larson's |
Sunday
Annual General Meeting |
|
|
June |
July |
August |
December | ||||||||
| To view
Rally Happenings of previous month/s click on month of choice |
|||||||||||
 |
|
 |