‘Holy Moley’ Folks …. What a night! Our Christmas evening was filled with three very important ‘F’s’ …… Fun, Festivities and Fellowship …..
I would like to thank all 53 who attended – members, partners, guests, and friends.
It was great to see and welcome back, Ken and Jeannette Beall – our friends from Canada. Ken and Jeannette had grandchildren Brooke and Paige with them, who I am sure are so pleased to have Ken and Jeannette here too!
We met Ken, who has been in Rotary for many years, while he was staying in Torquay and ‘making up’ at our club. This would be (I am guessing here – and am sure Ken can help me ….) about 15 years ago? while coming to Torquay each year, for around 3 months, from Canada – Ken is a regular at our meetings and helps out on many of our club activities.
We welcomed Catherine Eagleson from the Rotary Club of Bellarine North. Catherine has had some challenging months, and was terrific to see her, and to be part of our evening.
Margaret McPherson joined us. As well as joining us at our meetings recently, Margaret has volunteered on BBQ’s and being involved in our club activities.
And how great it was to see so many of our Partners come along.
It was wonderful to see John McDonald, and Vernon D’Souza join us. These Gentlemen have been coping with some health challenges over recent months. We continue to wish them all the very best as their health continues to improve.
Jan Emmett did an excellent job setting the tables, arranging the decorations and each of the place settings, ensuring there was plenty of Christmas Spirit there for everyone…. Thanks Jan!
To top all this off, we were treated to a lovely Christmas dinner prepared and served by our caterers – Sullivans Catering. Rod and Lorraine do a terrific job for us. Thank you both for your continued service and support to our club.
OK – Let’s change tack for a bit, and mention some ‘Rotary Business’ …..
Some of us ordered Rotary Face Masks a couple of months ago. Due to the business that was doing these closing, the masks were not produced, and will no longer be available. Apologies to all who were expecting them.
Bruce Turner announced the winners of Pets on Parade – and presented prizes to some of the category winners, who had a representative present.
The Rotary Club of Torquay board wishes to pass on to Bruce their appreciation and congratulations on a job well done in coordinating and running our Pets on Parade.
Maggie is coordinating the Lids4kids program. This involves working bees – sorting, cleaning, and packing the lids ready to be delivered to the distribution centre. Maggie will email members and ask for help when needed.
Mal gave a report on the Cowrie Market. This was a little quiet this month but was good to be in the community promoting Rotary. The market was interrupted with a weather squall coming through dumping heaps of rain in a very short time, and this combined with gusty wind resulted in some very wet people.
We have every intention of still having a Book Fair in January. We are waiting on confirmation of a venue. Keep your eyes ‘peeled’ and on your emails – as once we have confirmation – we will send you out information ……
Mal mentioned the Danger 1000 is on again in January. This is normally a very busy day for our BBQ trailer! The date of the event is 15th January. Mal will call for volunteers once he has confirmed details.
After we all enjoyed our main course, I had prepared a Christmas Quiz to tease the minds of all attending.
This was a bit of Fun, and a prize for our winners.
With 25 questions, and a possible 32 points, Paul Binyon won by a length with 26 points.
We had a tie for second with Maggie Isom and Karan Dawson on 23.
Well done everyone --- and thank you for your participation.
To finish off our evening, one of our caterers, Lorraine, had prepared 4 lovely delicacies – a snow penguin and some short bread plates.
With the names of everyone present in ‘the hat’ Lorraine drew out names, one at a time, and presented the lucky person with their ‘yummy prize’. Congratulations to those 4 winners, and a big thank you to Lorraine.
Monday 10th January will be our next Club Meeting.
This will be a ‘Fish’N’Chip’ night at Kithbrooke Park and will be held on the deck out the front of the main community room (where we meet). If the weather is unkind to us – we can move inside.
This will be a social night with partners and family welcome.
Details will come early in the new year.
To all members and friends of our club – I wish you and your families a Very Merry Christmas, enjoyable festive season and a Happy and Safe 2022.
Cheers!
