WELCOME BACK!

Hope you all had an enjoyable break. Hopefully we can make 2009 an interesting and enjoyable experience for you all. Lots of different planning ideas are in the pipeline; just keep your eye on the notice boards.

February kicks off with a Family Bush Picnic. Come try your skills with three-legged races, egg and spoon races and novelty events to share with your children and grandchildren.

On Saturday 25 October, 24 eager shoppers, our driver Tracey and Hostess, Trish left at 7.30am, even though our shopaholic President arrived with only 30 seconds to spare.

Our first stop at 8.20am was a toy warehouse. These ladies must have taught Santa how to shop. Clothes, shoes, leather goods and manchester outlets, then just to give our feet a rest and the credit cards time to cool down—LUNCH!

As we had been well-behaved shoppers, Trish fitted in one more outlet, not on the list. One shopper related to our president managed to buy a seven foot giraffe. Six more outlets to go before the chocolate shop.

Everyone enjoyed the raffle prizes on the way home though some looked at others’ prizes with envy.

Thanks to Tracey, Trish and Barbara Moffat for her organising skills. A super shopping spree was had by all. No recession here, we managed to spend over $6000. Thanks to all.

P.S. Start saving for October 2009.

Thanks to Michael Elkins and Ray Fraser, 58 people ventured on our mystery trip. Amazingly, except for the organisers, no one realised where they were off to, until we were well on our way.

As our passengers boarded the coach they were handed their morning tea packs. Goodies to eat and orange juice.

The quiz on the on the journey held everyone’s interest. Our first destination – YEA for a quick bathroom break and smoko. Our next stop – MANSFIELD. This was the weekend for their bush market and street parade. Frank parked the coach at the old railway station which is now a museum and information centre. Off to the market where there was plenty to see, buy and taste including wine. Many commented on the street parade, back to the coach and off to the Mansfield Golf Club for lunch.

At 2pm one of our quiz questions played a part as we were going to EDI, the King River Estate winery for afternoon tea. The scenery on the way was breathtaking. After wine, tea, coffee, cake and resting in the glorious sunshine we were on our way to our overnight destination – ALBURY. Rooms booked at "THE CHIFLEY", our meal at the Commercial Club across the street also provided plenty of entertainment.

An 8.00am breakfast fit for a king awaited us in the dining room at "The Chifley". Plenty of choice. Most of us ate our selves into the record books.

Sunday morning off to BEECHWORTH. Michael allowed us 2 hours free time to shop, check out the bakery but after breakfast many of us did not feel like eating, so we explored this historic town with its lovely old buildings.

Lunch today was at the MILAWA Cheese Factory. The meal gave us all a chance to try something different.

Games and Bingo gave us all a chance to try our luck at winning a prize and keep our minds off the fact had a great weekend but too much food, wine and enjoyment were taking it toll.

Eventually thanks to Bob we arrived back at Norcal Road, tired but happy for having had such an enjoyable weekend.

Thanks again to Michael, Ray and to Frank and Bob for driving.

See you all next time.

Approximately 100 men, women and children boarded coaches or travelled by car to "Funfields" at Whittlesea. Arrival time at Fundfields 10.30am, unloaded our picnic gear to the gates where we were all tagged depending upon age or height. I got to go on the kids’ rides, luckily it wasn’t on weight! We all found our spot, Rotunda Number 5. Morning tea was setup and soon devoured, then the troops set off to explore the various rides, round-a-bouts , pink elephants, jumping castle, racing cars for the littlies and bumping, squirting boats , toboggan ride and whirling sizzler for the older ones and any silly oldies game enough to try. There was even mini golf for the less adventurous.

The sun came out encouraging the brave to try out the water slide.

1.00pm loomed and a banquet of meat and salads appeared, adults and children managed to mimic a flock of seagulls fighting over a packet of chips.

2.00pm – That man with the red suit and white beard and borrowed bell made an appearance (I don’t know who had the most fund Santa or the children).

Presents were handed out but in most cases the lollies and drinks were not to be gone without.

Santa disappeared so back to the rides until it was time to go home.

A tired group of merry makers made their way back to the coaches.

A big thankyou to BOB McDONALD and RAY GARDNER for driving us there and back safely.

For all those that ventured to "Wicked" not all those you have been wicked. Reports are wonderful time, good seats. Was well worth going in the holidays.

One person evidently had their watch set on E.S.T not daylight saving – how wicked of them!

Congratulations to both winners.