Tassie Week

Tassie Week at Casino Village

The inaugural Tasmania week proved to be a highlight on the Casino Motorhome Village calendar.
Many Tasmanians converged on Casino in the days preceding Monday 29th August. There were many hugs, kisses and banter, especially by those of us who had been on the road for several months without seeing familiar faces.
On Saturday night we enjoyed a dinner dance in the clubhouse, followed on Sunday morning by the local market at the same venue. There was a constant stream of people all day and many deals were done.

Monday morning arrived bright and sunny with a slight breeze. Ideal weather for the morning tea on the village green followed by Mayor, Charlie Cox dedicating the impressive new flagpole, donated by the Island Wanderers chapter. This was followed by the raising of the Australian, Tasmanian and NSW flags, assisted by special guests, Uncle Dick and secretary, Trix of the Island Wanderers, together with Vince, Wayne and Narelle of Casino Village.
The original flagpole was then dedicated to Mick and Lillian, co-ordinators of the village sponsor a tree program, and proudly flies the village flag.
The afternoon program included the running of the heats and final of the two-headed race. The 30 metre dash saw Island Wanderers filling both first and second places. The final of the mobility challenged resulted in walking aids being cast aside in the 10 metre dash for the line.
The day wound down with happy hour and a barbeque, hosted by the Island Wanderers. The movie buffs then retired to the "hang out" to watch a movie on the big screen.

Tuesday was Blue Gum Rovers day commencing with the dedication of Blue Gum Avenue officiated by Bob King of the Blue Gums. The cork spitting competition provided much hilarity and sometimes embarrassment as well as some impressive "spits". Blue Gums hosted happy hour and a barbeque to finish another fantastic day.
On Wednesday many enjoyed morning tea in the barbeque hut with "John the piano man" before the competitions commenced in earnest. The disc bowls challenge saw Island Wanderers collect a swag of medals. Jean and Liz won the ladies, whilst Brian and David and Dick and Dennis managed second and third places in the mens. Dennis and Trix were undefeated (including a perfect six) in the mixed pairs, but were relegated to third on a countback.
The evening Bistro meal of T bone in the clubhouse was followed by the prize presentation for the activities to date. The theme for the night was convict night and the imagination of the participants in the dress up competition was most entertaining.
Thursday arrived and all potential bushmen (and ladies) headed to the "hang out"armed with a variety of knives to vie for the title champion woodchopper.Van Demons were the hosts of Happy hour and the barbeque.

The great Tassie tiger hunt took place on Friday afternoon, clues showed the way around the village green and barbeque hut. Brian and Jean emerged as winners of this exciting challenge. For the evening meal many of the Tassies went into town to "the club".
Saturdays contest was the Tassie to Casino boat race as players used clues to find locations on the route from Cockle Creek to Casino Village. Dennis and Trix flew the flag for Island Wanderers to win this event. Village residents were tormented all day with the delicious aroma emanating from a gigantic camp oven, filled to the brim with "devil stew". Complimented with damper we all enjoyed this fantastic meal, prior to the trophy presentation and wind up thankyou's and acknowledgements. Brian and Jean did the Island Wanderers proud by being awarded the trophy for the most successful competitors during the week.
Special thanks must go to Vince and the board, and Wayne, Narelle and staff at Casino Motorhome Village for supporting the concept of Tasmania Week and making it the success it proved to be. We are especially indebted to Chrissy and Frank, who along with others provided the variety of entertainment and challenges throughout the week.
Many Tasmanians and other travellers made a concerted effort to attend Tasmania week and the general consensus was that it become an annual event. The week commencing 14th August has been pencilled in for next year, which will allow time to reach the boat for off peak fares prior to the end of August.
See you there, you won't be disapointed.

Extra photo's and more details are available on the C.M.C.A. Village website which Chrissy has so kindly allowed us to link to. So just click on the following to check it out. http://www.cmcamotorhomevillage.com.au/tas-mania/index.htm


Chapter Flag Pole alongside Village Flag Pole	Island Wanderers contingent plus friends


Brian & Jean proudly wearing their Medals	Dick, Frank & Dennis