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We
are now entering the festive season and once again our Chapter gathers
to celebrate Christmas as a family of like minded Motorhomers. To this
end we gathered at Campbell town in the northern region of Tasmania, out
hosts Denis and Trix welcomed us on arrival with Dick finalising our registration
for this Rally. It was unfortunate that we were to experience wild weather
conditions with high winds and heavy rain. Did this deter us? not at all!
we just gathered in the hall and enjoyed each others company. Later in
the afternoon the weather cleared and we all gathered in the paddock and
renewed our acquaintances. As usual peels of laughter permeated the area.
It wasn't long before it was happy hour and we all gathered in the hall
where Brian with the assistance of Trix outlined the happenings for the
weekend and our traditional Christmas Dinner tomorrow evening. Brian was
also to outline the "Relay for Life" event to be held in Penguin
again next year. |
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Happy
hour frivolity
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Jill outlining
history of Campbell town |
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We gathered again at 7pm after our evening
meal in the hall, where we were fortunate to have Jill, a local person
who happens to be also our caterer for our Christmas meal tomorrow evening,
outline the history of the town. What a history, Campbell Town first established in 1821 and being around the half way mark between the the northern and southern cities in the state of Tasmania. The Governor of the time "Macquarie" named the river "Elizabeth" after his wife's maiden name and the town Campbell Town taking her maiden name, the area is really steeped in history boasting the oldest continuous Agricultural Show in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the first areas to be able to boast Merino sheep farms, thus the famous Zegna trophy for Merino fine wool production. Jill went on to inform us of the many fine convict buildings, such as the Fox Hunters Return and especially the Convict Bridge built in 1838 on the main highway. Constructed of locally manufactured bricks and sandstone blocks quarried some eight kilometres down the highway. Even today the bridge carries all heavy traffic to both North and South of the State, something it wasn't designed for; this giving an indication of the quality workmanship of the day by Convicts. Campbell Town, though only boasting a population of 900 has many travellers pausing in their journey to rest and take in the excellent sights of the town plus seek refreshment at the many kerbside coffee shops and bakeries. |
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Cube
game |
"Bee
Haven" erected |
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By acclamation we thanked Jill for her extensive
outline of the history of Campbell Town. Then the strange cubes were produced
and the game was underway involving all members, there was much concentration
and plenty of laughter with the game lasting for some hours. Members were
drifting off to bed late in the evening, all seeming to be happy with
the days events and looking forward to our Christmas Dinner. Saturday morning dawned with a clear blue sky and plenty of sunshine, many were to go down town to have breakfast at one of the many cafe's and returning in time to erect our yellow canopy "Bee Haven" under the brilliant blue sky's. |
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Liz with
mid morning brunch |
Motorbike's
arriving and parked up for refreshment before heading south
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We were alerted to the fact that it was time
for the Tasmanian Motorbike Clubs annual toy run to Hobart and there would
be in excess of four thousand motorbike's driving through the town. Several
of our members had children in the event, they were to walk down to the
main street to capture the moment. Of course many others with no direct
interest were to do the same. It was wall to wall motorbikes and motortrikes in the main street some re-fueling and then taking in refreshments with others continuing on. It was amazing to feel the goodwill amongst them all and to hear the various exhaust sounds emanating from the motorbikes. They could not carry all the toys for the needy children on their motorbike's so they had two semi-trailers filled with toys for the unfortunate children of Tasmania going south also. |
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| Welcome to Campbell Town | Historic "Fox Hunters Return" Building |
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When the motorbikes moved on many of us used the pamphlets,
supplied by Jill the previous evening, to take a walk along the pavement
of engraved bricks viewing their inscriptions and then onto the many
fine antique and specialty shops. We were to admire the architecture
of the town including the welcome board that gave us the history of
the area. Then we walked onto the red brick bridge. What a wonderful
achievement by those in 18th century to achieve such a wonderful monument
to the quality of their work under the most trying of conditions. Then
onto to explore the many fine examples of old buildings that abound
in the town. |
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| 1838 Convict built Bridge | Walking Bridge over Elizabeth River |
Many of us just relaxed and awaited happy hour, which was held earlier
than normal today due to our Christmas Dinner tonight. As usual our beloved
Sheriff berated us for alleged misconduct and lack of badge wearing etc.
This brought forth much laughter as some of those accused attempted to
defend themselves against the accusations of our Sheriff. There are few
that succeed, if any, for he knows how to fend off any complaints against
his assertions and is quick to put down any form of rebellion before it
occurs; bearing in mind that all is taken in good jest.Four thirty pm arrived and the woman folk and a few partners wandered down to the hall and arranged christmassy things on the various tables for our dinner this evening and then back to the Rally site to shower and change to get ready for the event. |
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Setting up Table's with
Christmas decorations |
Around 6pm
the bus arrived to carry us down to the Hall for our Christmas Dinner
and festivities. A few were to walk and take in the beautiful twilight
weather being experienced; being all downhill the going was easy, so to
speak. On arrival for our Christmas Dinner and celebrations we were greeted
by our hosts Denis & Trix, in their christmas attire and sporting
huge smiles of welcome, they were to wish all members and visitors a Merry
Christmas and extended happiness for the evening. |
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Denis &
Trix welcoming all |
Pre dinner
drinks & discussion |
Enjoying
our wonderful Christmas Meal |
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We were to take our seats and partake of
our pre dinner drinks with music played in the background by our band who
would entertain us for the evening. Clarry was to deliver the customary Grace
prior to our meal and then we were delivered bread rolls which we snacked
on as we imbibed. Then our meal was delivered and what a meal it was, traditional
christmas fare and plenty for everyone. The service was prompt, given the
amount of tables everyone was delivered a wonderful hot meal. There is no
question that all were satisfied with the meal given the general discussions
taking place. |
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Michael,
Mervyn and Karen igniting candles for our annual lighting of the candles
ceremony
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After our main course, the traditional chapter
lighting of the candles took place and it is during this period we take time
to reflect on fellow members who are no longer with us and also the significance
of the lighting of the other candles. The raffle was then partially drawn
and there were many happy winners judging by the amount of joyous outcry's
and laughter. The quality of the prizes, mostly all donated was extremely
good. |
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Christine "Mrs Nice Gal" |
Bob awarded
"Mr Nice Guy" |
Peter receiving
"Silly Billy Award" |
The Sheriff
then took the floor to present his annual awards, of course he berated
a couple of members for having their incorrect membership card displayed.
A popular recipient of the "Mrs Nice Gal" award was Christine
who does so much for the Chapter and in such a manner that it doesn't
always become immediately noticeable. Bob was to receive the "Mr
Nice Guy" award in recognition of his enthusiasm to always
assist in any work that has to be carried out at Rally's. The last
and not least was the "Silly Billy Award" it was awarded
to Peter for leaving the rear door open on his Campervan for some
200 kilometres without realising it was open, luckily nothing fell
out during the journey. Silly Billy Peter! It was time for our sweets and how nice they were, four varieties including the traditional plum pudding. There was plenty for all and then the after dinner chocolates appeared along with plenty of tea and coffee. Again there was only praise for the high standard of the meal and service. |
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Santa handing
out goodies |
Jeane &
Clarry singing Carol's |
Dancing
the night away |
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Denis & Trix then invited the caterer's
and staff onto the floor where they thanked them for a wonderful job well
done with the Christmas Dinner, the initial acclamation from members and
visitors eventually became a standing ovation with much clapping and finally
the singing of the tune "For they are Jolly good fellows". There
was a final draw of raffle prizes, again with much joyous fun and laughter. Of course it wouldn't be Christmas without Santa Clause making an appearance, Santa announced that he felt that all the boys and girls (members and visitors) present were not worthy of his wares until suitable Christmas Carol's were sung. Jeane & Clarry with their wonderful voices were to lead the way singing Christmas Carol's while Santa distributed many sweets to all tables, Carol's continued for some time and then Santa made a special presentation of gifts to two children who were present with their grandparents Peter & Wendy. Santa then departed and members were to dance the night away, many leaving for our Rally site late into the night on the bus with just a few electing to walk. What a wonderful day and evening with so much packed in, it was little wonder that people went off to sleep easily. Sunday dawned a little overcast and then members were dismantling "Bee Haven" and packing away all the items into our trailer, John & Colleen were then to conduct the church service in the hall which was well attended. It is this time of the year that the Chapter conducts its Annual General Meeting and elections for officers and committee members, with our current President retiring; members elected Graeme as our next President. All other positions were filled and now we look forward to another year of our Chapter members enjoying Rally's etc. It was well after midday before members headed off on their respective journeys, many will take the time to journey around the state and then arrive at our New Years Rally at Bridport towards the end of the year. It would be remiss of us if we did not acknowledge the wonderful Rally our hosts Denis & Trix had arranged for us all, it went smoothly with the usual polish that they are renowned for, a special thank you to you both from Chapter Members and visitors. |
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