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A few Chapter members gathered on the Thursday at Garden Island prior to moving onto our Rally site on the Friday morning, it was a warm windy day and we enjoyed another fine happy hour and were able to watch the ships putting to sea on their voyage to other states and the bulk carriers to other parts of the world. A popular spot for fishing we were to witness many fish being caught even with a ski jet blasting along on the waterway it didn't deter many, a few elected to play cards when the night closed in and much laughter was heard. |
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Happy hour on Garden Island |
Gathered around on Garden Island |
Georgetown across the river |
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There was a steady influx of members and it was great to catch up with the many we haven't seen for a few years due to their travels on mainland Australia. The amount of interstate members who are travelling around our State that popped in for an update on the St Helens Combined Rally was high and augured well for that future Rally. Up went our "Bee Haven" canopy and we settled in finding shade as we chatted away catching up with the travels of members, Due to the number of Motorhomes, Campervan's and 5th Wheelers in attendance meant that we had to use an overflow paddock nearby. Not a problem, we wheeled out the barbecue to cook our evening meal and enjoy the views across the river including the balmy weather. Many were to continue happy hour after the evening meal and peels of laughter were to ring out during the evening. Card games under "Bee Haven" also the disc bowls were being utilised. |
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Early arrivals |
Gathered under "Bee Havin" |
Enjoying a game of Disc Bowls |
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It really rained during the night, and as dawn broke it was obvious that it was going to be a rainy blustery day, this was the opposite of yesterday though this never phases us we just get on enjoying each others company under our "Bee Haven" In all the years we have had our yellow canopy it has withstood all types of weather. Therefore it was surprising to come out of our motorhomes to find that the pegs had pulled out of the ground and our beloved "Bee Haven" had collapsed. Not a problem we just re-erected it and moved on to enjoy the company of our mates, due to the weather forecast we doubled up on the tie downs to assist keeping "Bee Haven" in place. |
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Down and out |
Collapsed "Bee Haven" |
"Bee Haven" Re erected |
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Though blustery the rain was intermittent and caused no problems we just rugged up and placed more wood on the fire, the avid disc bowlers were hard at it and it did not deter the ladies craft sessions at all. We were to sight a few large ships heading for their berths at Bell Bay, one that we had seen departing the river on the Thursday evening. There was a lack of yachts on the river and we put that down to the gale force winds that we were experiencing. |
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| Dick outlining the Raffle | Patrick discussing Disc Bowls |
At 10am we had our morning tea and again the various section co-ordinator's gave an update on their progress to date, they left no doubt as to their preparedness for the combined chapter rally at all. Members are very enthused with the coming event and have not only given of there time; also raffle prizes. We were surprised to hear how many had booked for the rally it certainly outstripped the numbers at the last combined rally that we had responsibility for. The Rally co-ordinator indicated the community was very enthused at the rally being held in their area and had shown response by way of assistance in many ways. |
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Various section co-ordinator's outlining their progress to date for the Combined Rally
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Many of us had a barbecue lunch and rugged up against the weather and had a chat with all, many took the opportunity to go walkabout out to Garden Island and others explored the village itself. It is always great to witness the ladies group under "Bee Haven" doing their craft work with a willingness to exchange ideas or assist others in some of the finer points of the craft work they are involved with. Especially the fine Quilt work that many are engaged in. Happy hour arrived and the usual jovial spirit was apparent in large doses, we were to welcome a few interstate members and a couple from overseas who being members of the CMCA come out to Australia each year. Usually during our summer months to do what we like doing best and that is travelling, exploring and meeting new people. In the absence of our Sheriff his Deputy Doug carried out his duties in an admirable way and of course the fines came thick and fast for the alleged misdemeanours, all taken in good jest for the funds raised are for the Island Wanderers Cancer Council "Relay for Life" Project. |
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| Bedded down for inclement weather | Doug tuning up for nights entertainment |
Intermittent rain with blustery winds was still evident though it did not worry us at all for the shade cloth deflected most of it, a few decided to go up the newly re-opened Holiday Lodge for their evening meal and on their return indicated that the food and the service was excellent. After our evening meal we gathered and Doug once again entertained us with his seemingly unlimited range of songs and jokes. The Island Wanderers Choir then practiced their songs for the forthcoming Combined Rally with the assistance of Alan and Annette who were visiting us. All in all it was a good evening and you wouldn't believe the enjoyment experienced even taking into consideration the inclement weather. We also thank Alan and Annette for their fine musical arrangements, it is with great pleasure that they will be assisting us at St Helens. It was very late into the night before we all started off to our vans for the night and given the laughter prevailing we are sure that everyone enjoyed the evening. |
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| The Island Wanderers Choir in action | John Stoking the fire for breakfast |
Sunday dawned windy though overcast with the sun poking its way through the clouds periodically, again there were many out walking and the only disappointment to a few was the lack of opportunity to be able to fish off the pontoon, the pontoon was rocking so much that you would have had problems keeping your feet. Though not to worry there is always next time. Sunday is the day of departure and there is a reluctance to pack up our camp and move on, this occasion was no different; for it is obvious that those in the Chapter enjoy each other company so much that departing becomes a bit of a chore. |
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| Dismantling "Bee Haven" and packing away | "Bee Haven" packed away |
It was time to dismantle "Bee Haven", despite the wind and through the usual team work it was down and packed away in no time at all, it leaves a large space once down and it gave the opportunity to Allison to display her completed quilt to us all. The amount of time to produce such an excellent article is considerable, so it was with much pride that it was displayed. Christine also finished her Quilt and put it on show and again it was absolutely beautiful, it was designed for her grandson and we are sure that he will be pleased with it. |
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| Allison displaying her Quilt work completed at the Rally | Another view of the Quilt |
There a few hardy souls that had braved the elements none more so than Dale, who having returned from Queensland, who still had a penchant for wearing just a singlet and shorts, whereas Eddie was all rugged up for the weather conditions and smiling. So it was we started to say our farewells and during the next few hours many were to drift off with others staying for a barbecue tea this evening. They say that departing has a certain amount of sadness though we are looking forward to meeting again, this usually brings the smiles back. So it was we decided to meet again at our Combined Chapters Rally in two weeks, many are leaving today and slowly working there way to St Helens and enjoying the travelling and sights on the way. So once again we thank Peter and Wendy for such a wonderful time given the inclement weather, it would be true to say they are the consummate hosts. |
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| Dale lapping up blustery conditions | Eddie showing contentment with the Rally |
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