Ably
organised by Graeme & Desley,
the Club’s Christmas in July “Event” this
year attracted an exceptional roll up of over 22
vehicles, 66 adults and children and two dogs.
Kay and I arrived around lunchtime to find the majority already settled
in. Being vanless and Kay doesn’t do camping, we
were booked into the bunk house. To our alarm we found
this was located right beside the camp-fire/party area and the
walls consisted of nothing more than a sheet of colorbond. On
Saturday afternoon the usual rituals were in progress. People circulated
from group to group, the men talking about Land Rovers
and the women talking about everything else there is to talk
about.
Kay
noticed some bonnets were up (sorry Richard).
Speaking of Richard, he had his “new” toy on
display, an extended body length classic Range Rover
which attracted much attention. Burgundy paintwork,
but in typical Pom style
Richard insisted the colour was Montpelier. Since Richard
had a Blue Classic only a few months ago it was suggested
he changes
cars as often as Lynton changes caravans.
Throughout
Saturday afternoon, a video was shown on the club’s
recent Cape York trip with frequent episodes of towing with
sad stories about vehicle problems. Out of curiosity some members
inspected the bunk house which had all the warmth and
charm of a medium security correctional facility or a Titan shed. Drinks
and nibbles were to commence at 5.00 pm but, as usual, quite
a few people started earlier – some people just can’t
help themselves! “Official” drinks
and nibbles were held around the fire place until
Christmas Dinner was served. This was catered by
the Goomburra Camping Ground owners who did a great job.
Pork & beef
from camp ovens was served up with gravy and all
the trimmings with sweets following including Christmas pudding.
Santa
arrived on a Harley with presents for the children but alas none
for the adults so I will not be going again next year. The
night’s excitement was provided by Desley who lost one
of the diamonds from her earrings. Rumour has
it that on hearing this, Graeme had to lie down
and be fanned whilst women came from everywhere
to conduct a grid search. This was certainly proof
diamonds are a girl’s
best friend. Unfortunately the search was unsuccessful.
Desley resumed the search at daylight and, against
all odds, found the missing diamond. It was
suggested the Browns buy a large number of lotto tickets.
Also
on the night Aaron from Down Under Camping had donated
some prizes for the raffle. Happily, Kay won first prize
which I hope will be a turning point in my life. The prize
included cap,
t-shirt, bum bag and a back/hydration pack which Kay says
she will sip from while trundling the trolley at Woolies.
There
were second and third prizes but I was too excited to
notice who won them. A big thank you to Aaron and Down Under
Camping for the prizes and also supplying everyone
with a Down Under Camping Stubbie holder. Remember
to support the people who support the Club.
My
fears about everyone hanging around the fire-place until late
were unfounded. By about 10.15 everyone had drifted off. I
have
noticed this happens a bit lately – maybe we are all
showing our age? Apart from Desley
finding her diamond, Sunday morning brought
a hearty breakfast served by our hosts, bacon, eggs and
various other “unhealthy” treats which didn’t
seem to worry anyone. Of course every body said
they didn’t have this kind
of thing for breakfast “every day” so
it was all ok then wasn’t it. After breakfast
more circulating and chatting between vans and campers as people
gradually packed up and drifted off bringing to a close a very
successful and well attended event.
Special
mention should be made of some members who went above
and beyond the call of duty to attend. Peter & Elizabeth and Peter & Gillian
arrived direct from their trip up north – they did not even go home
first. Rob-Bob also had just got back from his
trip to The Cape after a considerable amount of
car trouble. John and Ann drove up from Brisbane for
the dinner on the Saturday night and then drove back again. As far as the weather goes, it was cold but not as bad as previous years
(so I am told) and it did not stop everyone enjoying themselves.
Congratulations
should go to to Graeme and Desley for organising such
a great event which deserved the great support it received.
Everyone
will be looking forward to next July.
Paul
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