Over the years, the LRC Christmas party has typically been held towards the end of November. However, last year’s move to a December date proved so popular with members that the Committee decided to choose December again for this year’s party – this time Saturday, 3 December.
Majors Creek Recreation Ground was once again our chosen venue. Over the past 12months, the local community has put a lot of effort into removing dodgy trees from the campground and so this year there were plenty of good campsites to choose from. In contrast to last year’s event, the ground was firm and dry and no one got bogged (no, not even Russell).
A good number of members arrived on the Friday and took advantage of a pub meal that night. Others arrived on the Saturday with their vans, tents and swags, and a few day-trippers turned up as well, with the intention of heading back home after dinner. In the end, about 70 members, guests and plenty of children rocked up for the event.
Saturday was a lovely sunny day and so a few members took the opportunity to visit Braidwood to check out the local bakeries and coffee shops. Meanwhile, Peter Mercer, with the assistance of others I’m sure, arranged a get-together of old vehicles for members and locals, titled “Landies and Locals Coffee and Cars”. This event was well attended and the train-spotters seemed very happy.
Like last year, the December Ordinary Meeting was held in conjunction with the Christmas Party. The meeting kicked off at 3 pm and, in the President’s inimitable style, was kept as brief as possible so that the party could begin. Don’t forget to check the website for meeting minutes to make sure you didn’t miss anything of great import.
At 4 pm, Santa arrived in a fine example of a Series 2A and was greeted warmly by children and adults alike. Again, and pleasingly, there was a good turnout of about a dozen children to greet Santa. A very pleasing number indeed.
The party proper began at 6 pm. It was again catered by Vanilla Catering whose team came out from Braidwood and ensured no one went hungry. Members spent much of the evening catching up with one another and enjoying the festive atmosphere. Not seen in a while at a Christmas Party was a campfire – thanks to Peter Mercer for supplying the fire pit and wood. Given how quickly the night cooled with the disappearance of the sun, the campfire was most welcome.
Sunday morning was misty and cool and most members rugged up warmly for their get-well breakfast of bacon and egg rolls, expertly cooked by Russell, Garry and David Darke. A very welcome start to the day (my apologies if I’ve overlooked any of the cooks). By 9:30 am the weather had greatly improved and most folk began packing up, ready to head home.
The Christmas Party has always been a highlight of the year and this year was no exception, with the Majors Creek Recreation Reserve once again proving to be an ideal location.
Many thanks to:
- Our Social Secretary, Gemma Zeitlhofer;
- Eric Rigter who again very capably pulled off the role of Santa;
- Paulette Rigter for donating hand-made quilts as prizes;
- Mary Bergstrom who judged the decorated tables;
- The breakfast cooks, and of course
- The members who came along and contributed to make it a very successful weekend, especially those who travelled long distances, including from Bega and Sydney, to take part.
(Trip Report by Bob Z. Photos: Margo Wade and Peter Mercer)