When we arrived, The Riverboat Room still wore its ANZAC Day regalia from the day before and looked both patriotic and glorious with huge Australian flags draped around the walls and a display of Slouch hats added to the authenticity.

The volunteers were overjoyed and quickly added to the atmosphere with table decorations of tall poppy stands, scattered poppies and ribboned rosemary. The stage was then set for our short, belated, but moving ceremony to honour the fallen, to remember all those who served and suffered; and to hope that our young men and women serving in our forces today never have to make the ultimate sacrifice. Thank you Col for reading the Ode.

With formalities complete, we served morning tea. True to his word Craig baked ANZAC biscuits for us and we got TWO each. Thanks so much Craig for making our members feel so special. I would also like to thank you on behalf of everyone for the fabulous pies you also baked for lunch. They were delicious, meaty with perfect crunchy pastry, served with peas and mash and oodles of yummy gravy. Simply perfect Aussie fare. All these thoughtful things make for a wonderful day.

The usual format was changed a little to suit the day and in hindsight I should not have let you off the exercises when we had consumed so many calories. Please do five extra push-ups during the week. And don’t forget the clock exercise I gave you for balance….best done before dinner drinkies.

It was a lovely day and I hope you all enjoyed it as much as I did.

Anyone wishing to join our friendly club is most welcome. To learn more ring Leanne on 0413 101 518.

Sue Gunning