Hunters 2024 Christmas Party

17 December 2024 / story Elaine Gazzard, Photos David Gazzard & Wendy Mullholand

Wow what an epic gathering. The planning and the execution was floorless.

The party was held at Mara and Phil’s Ello’s by the lake. A beautiful home backing on to Lake Macquarie at Swansea.

Friday started with a swam of volunteers to put up shade marquises and decorations, the result being a lovely festive feel and lots of shade. Our main worry was the heat, but the weather fairies were on our side with the breeze blowing from the south east just enough to keep it at a nice temperature.

Party time Saturday everyone was in high spirits and our members enjoyed the cool drinks and appetizers. Lots of catching up was done with one of our long-distance member Steve Carter. It was also great to see Daryl Grimes, Chris Church, Phil and Helen Mayo and look forward to seeing more of them in 2025.

Fresh Prawns was our Entrée, and weren’t they something special. Freshly caught off our coast the day before. So sweet and juicy, the best. Huge thanks to Phil Ellerton for the special trip to pick them up for us. Next there was the main meal. The ladies in our group can always be relied on to help out with some great salads making sure no one did without lots of variety. The selection of meats Ham, Pork and Chicken all so delicious and tender. What can I say but Yummy.

To give our tummy’s a rest, we gave out the thankyou gifts to all those that had helped out during the year, the Tenure badges and trophies. It was our pleasure to give out some very deserving Moty and service awards, and to say thank you to our awesome members who we call friends, for all the help, encouragement, and support throughout 2024.

With the formalities over it was desert time and again wow Strawberry short cake, profiterole’s, Oreo cheese cake, chocolate mini’s, Fruit platter and the always popular Kerry Redfern’s cheese cake which is a staple at any Hunter gathering. Secret Santa’s was a bit of a strange one but that’s ok.

It was the most wonderful time of the year. Everyone had a great time and our many thanks to everybody who helped and participated. Especially Phil and Mara our wonderful host.

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone, Looking forward to more great adventures in 2025.

 Zoom zoom.