Favoured for our Autumn Rally, the whole complex with its diversity of trees along with the St Patrick River flowing on its boundary, with the newly upgraded facilities is nothing short of excellent.
The differing fusions of colour and shedding of leaves from the trees lends itself to remind us that winter is approaching quickly, though not dampening our spirit to come together as a Chapter once again. President Graeme was on hand to welcome us and we were quickly parked and out and about renewing acquaintance's with our many friends.
Late afternoon by the St Patrick River
Many elected to walk around the park and were seen to be admiring the many different coloured toad stools. Julie was to add her Gnomes to give it that authentic touch. The many different shades and colour's of the tree's was highlighted by the sun setting behind the hills, something we all thought was enjoyable, even if it is bit on the cool side.
Gnomes amongst Toad Stools Sun setting over Myrtle Park
Our host Peter and Wendy had work commitments, which delayed their arrival until late afternoon. Peter was to bring a load of wood for the fire and it was quickly set up and lit, we gathered around the fire prior to happy hour. Our hosts had a full on weekend with plenty of entertainment planned to keep us occupied.
Mick seated on the loo
Gathered around the fire for happy hour
Before we knew it happy hour had arrived and we all gathered around the fire and caught the last rays of the sun, before it sank behind the surrounding hills. President Graeme welcomed all, plus visitors and then Peter outlined the activities for the weekend in detail. There was much laughter and the happy hour sure extended given the frivolity, we then went off to our vans for our evening meal with a few members opting to use the wonderful barbecue facilities now available.
Checking children's photo's and guessing who they depicted today
After our meal we all came together in the hall where there was a nice fire, which warmed us immensely. Peter had laid out photo's of celebrities and baby photo's of members and then indicated that we were to guess which photo belonged to which member and identify the celebrities. A hard task given that most had aged by 30 to 60 years since the photo was taken. There were a couple who you could tell easily, the others were hard. Jim wasn't to pleased when people were looking at his photo indicating girls names, there was certainly much serious thought given to who belonged to which photo. The eventual winners were Patrick and Julie who were able to guess 18 of the 31 photo's, a masterful feat indeed.
Passing the can
Judy winner of "pass the can"
Having a final warm by the fire
Then Peter conducted "pass the can" to the sounds of music. When the music stopped the person holding the can had to answer a question correctly or they were eliminated. There were some strange passing on maneuvers taking place in an attempt not be caught with the can. Madge was to draw much applause for her quality flick pass which resulted in her not being caught out. There was much laughter and answers and advice was coming thick and fast from all sections on the floor. The winner of the competition was Judy which was met by much applause.
Many elected to stay by the fire after the competition with others drifting off to their motorhomes to watch football or to go off to bed.
Saturday dawned after a chilly night, cloud cover blocking out the sun and cooling things a little, though not dampening the spirits of members. Peter was to arise early and light the fire and boil the kettle for members to have a cuppa. Many members were to join the scheduled exercise walk around the park and take in the spectacular views of the river and autumn tones of the trees, we then all came together for morning tea.
Brian & Peter setting out course and measuring shots
Graham demonstrates hitting action
There was much discussion on the wonderful work carried out on the Myrtle Park camp grounds by the shire council. New toilets and hot showers installed making the experience of the area more enjoyable. A new kitchen facility containing many picnic settings and a total of five electric barbecues all for free, is indeed wonderful. There is also stainless steel sinks and power points. Though it was sad to see the old triple sided wood fire removed which had bought us much pleasure at previous rally's.
Then it was time for "Closest to the flag, Golf competition" Brian and Peter measured out the course and then stood by the flag waiting for each of us to hit the golf ball daring players to hit them.
As most of us had little experience with golf Graham was to impart his knowledge to us prior to us taking our shot.
Veronica lining up for shot
Ross & Lyn checking sheet
Christine & Bob checking items
It would be true to say that there was much laughter at some of the shots plus miss hits of the ball. Needless to say Brian & Peter were safe for most of us could not even hit the ball halfway, that is with the exception of the balls that were sliced side ways. This would bring on another round of laughter. The eventual winner was Graham who had little trouble reaching the flag which resulted in loud cheers.
It was time for lunch and the boiling kettle on our camp fire was to supply lovely hot water for our tea or coffee. Then it was time for our treasure hunt. Peter & Wendy had put together a wonderful treasure hunt which took in all sections of the park. It required participants to not only fill in a questionnaire, also to work out the cryptic question to obtain a sample of different items to hand in.
Members were seen to be going all over the area, even through other campers sites in an endeavor to win the event. It took some time for the event to finish, in fact over three hours, though it was enjoyable to explore all parts of the park and enjoy the autumn colour's of the trees and saying hello to other campers. The eventual winner of the treasure hunt was Pat who was visiting us for the first time. Pat had a perfect score on all items and questions.
Disc bowlers in action
Serious discussion at Bowls
Gathering for the nights entertainment
Again our intrepid disc bowlers set up the rinks and were in full flight, so to speak, prior to stopping for our evening meal. As usual the games were very competitive with no quarter given, though there is normally plenty of laughter at some of the shots. This is a game that our members like immensely and the rinks are set up at the start of a rally and is one of the last items dismantled at the completion of the Rally.
Ready for the entertainment
Early morning shadows
Our Gnomes revisited

We drifted off for our evening meal and then gathered again by the camp fire for the evening's entertainment, Whilst a few stayed in doors to watch the football on television. We were all looking forward to the event arranged by Peter & Wendy "Looking forward/Looking back" Members were encouraged to give their thoughts on events of yesteryear and how they line up against similar events today or vice versa. The fire was stoked up and for the next few hours it was interesting indeed to hear members experiences on a wide range of subjects. It would be true to say that it was most enjoyable and most of us drifted off to bed more than satisfied with a few hardy types remaining by the fire.
Sunday dawned rather cool though sunny and the exercise walk which lasted one hour drew quite a few members.
The exercise walk took more than an hour for they ended up near a nudist camp, it was difficult to get any information as to what was seen or occurred, if anything.
Our Chapter Chaplain then conducted the sunday service which was well attended.

Sunday morning fire
Peter & Wendy presents prizes
Happy competition winners
A special morning tea was held where the prizes for all competitions were presented to the winners by Peter & Wendy, it was obvious judging by the smiles that they were all happy with their prizes. Peter then conducted another competition where the prize was a weeks free accommodation at the Casino Village complex in N.S.W. This was won by Alison.
Members were sitting around in the sun enjoying their surroundings and other were packing ready to leave for home or other destinations, a few electing to stay another evening. Those staying on were enjoying the sunshine and tranquility of the complex.
Peter & Wendy again were thanked for the fine hosting of the Rally. There was not a member who did not enjoy the weekend.
Many drifted off during the day to our homes or further travelling, vowing to meet again at the next Rally at Tunbridge in May.
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