Canberra Chapter Christmas in July

28 July 2013 / Iris & Tony McDonald

The Canberra Chapter held its annual Christmas in July lunch at Benedict House, Queanbeyan, on Sunday 28 July 2013.  The function was attended by 32 enthusiastic chapter members and friends, some from as far afield as Wagga Wagga, NSW.

 No official pre-function run was organised as the location of the venue gave most attendees the opportunity for a quick spin prior to commencement of festivities.  Interestingly, Annie and Lawrie from Wagga had the shortest journey on the day, as they stayed overnight in Queanbeyan on Saturday (but had to face the return run to Wagga after the lunch!)

Benedict House was once a nunnery and is a wonderful old two-storey building with lots of rooms, some of which have been converted to display space for jewellery, books, and old wares.  Several of our group succumbed to the temptation to purchase books etc before and after the lunch.  Our lunch was served in our own private dining room with decorated tables surrounded by more old wares, china, and books etc to provide a very cosy atmosphere.  The meal was first class, as was the company on the day.  Rosemary Dunning, Barbara Leyton-Grant, and Matt Shepherdson were the lucky winners of the ‘door prizes’. 

In the absence of the chapter’s co-convenors (Bob & Bricet) who were otherwise occupied on a tour of Europe, the gathering was organised by Iris and Tony McDonald, both of whom were relieved when all went to plan on the day.  Our Benedict House host (Kate Shelton) and her young crew did a fantastic job of looking after us, and providing us with a truly sumptuous meal.  We will certainly bear it in mind for possible future functions!

See all of the photos here.