Well I hope you all enjoyed your day last Friday. The weather cleared beautifully and made our BBQ area that much more inviting, and the flags and floral arrangements added to the Melbourne Cup theme.

So many of you entered into the fun of decorating your hats for fun or fashion but I am afraid we ran out of time to parade them. I know we gave Paul the prize for being “cute” in his pink hat and pigtails; but he also deserved a bravery award for driving the bus wearing it and his wine-glass sunnies. I should have taken a pic of all the mad hatters getting on the bus. Never mind I did take others which should prove excellent blackmail material.

We did pack a lot into the day, and of course we had to time things just right to combine with the bowlers. That being said, the croquet demonstration by John Church and his able assistants gave members an insight into the game that has become the fastest growing sport in Australia at the moment. I guess you would expect that with our aging population, and I can assure you that I thoroughly enjoy the game and play every week if possible. I believe several people are now going to join the croquet group at the Bowling Club. Thank you John, to you and your volunteers for your time and effort. It was not only timely for Veterans Health Week, but also greatly appreciated.

I think the making of the paper planes brought back some fond memories, particularly the boys. I noticed after the heats of seeing who could fly the furthest, that there were three boys and one girl in the final.. Nigel, who diligently followed the issued instructions won the gold trophy.

Thank you too to those members who were interviewed and spoke freely of their life experiences and war time memories. It is so important to share those things; it’s the sad times that make us appreciate the good times. Our club is going from strength to strength and it is so rewarding to witness the friendships that have and are being made each week.

Leanne organised a fun faux Melbourne Cup sweep using the names of past winners. Excellent. And to round the day off, each person was presented with a very pretty and useful shopping bag to keep in your handbag for emergencies. So I think it is safe to say you all had a great day, good fun, beaut BBQ, croquet, gifts and fellowship. See you next week.

For information ring Leanne 0413 101 518.

Sue Gunning