South Coast Christmas Party & Awards Presentation
01 December 2021 / Story: Brian & Anda Clayton; Photos: Anne Zattera & Anda Clayton
South Coast Christmas Party and Awards Presentation
Story by: Brian and Anda Clayton; Photos by: Anne Zattera and Anda Clayton
Uncertainty surrounding Covid restrictions meant we planned a one-day event for this year’s Christmas Party … no Brian’s Big Breakfast this year.
Instead, we planned morning tea in the park with Olympian events like Finska and Boules. Well, if the Covid devil does not get you, the weather goblins will and sure enough 3 days of torrential rain, floods and other events simulating the end of the world meant outdoor events were off the agenda.
The event organisers, with crystal ball and far-sighted vision anticipated nature’s wrath and had a sneaky plan “B”. Olympian events were abandoned and the venue changed to the rear deck of the organiser’s house. At least it was dry.
Morning tea was provided by various of the attendees and washed down with copious amounts of tea and coffee. Then on to the awards.
South Coast chapter had run 14 events during the year, 5 of which were multi day. We also held 10 monthly coffee meetings, 3 of which were via Zoom. This represents a significant amount of time and effort, not possible without the help and support of members of the chapter. That support comes in many forms from simply patronising events, lending their company and spreading happiness to other chapter members, taking photos, writing articles, to organising and running events. As convenors we are extremely grateful for this contribution.
The chapter recognised the special effort of run organisers and Geoff Smith, Guilia and James Scheimer, Kerry Warner and Bob Downing were recognised for their extra effort with a small presentation. Other members were also given their Christmas present in celebration of their contribution to the chapter through the year.
Our Member of the Year was awarded by Peter Battison, our new Club President, who had travelled down for the event.
The look of surprise on our Member of the Year, Bill Short's face was priceless! A well-deserved award. Bill and Janice have been keen attendees of most of our runs, Covid permitting, and have participated in all of our monthly meetings, even via Zoom. Bill has also written a number of humorous stories (are we surprised?) and has submitted photos for publication. What is a run without Goldilocks? Congratulations Bill!
Thoroughly caked and caffeinated we proceeded on to the the Altar Wine Bar for lunch, of course!
Members from 4 chapters, Canberra, Sydney, Illawarra and South Coast braved the weather to help make today's event a success. We welcomed Club President Peter Battisson and Treasurer Louis Serrett to our celebration. It was unfortunate that our chapter sponsor was not able to attend our party due to business commitments. Carl is an enthusiastic supporter of our chapter and a well-deserved Mazda Dealer of the Year.
As we departed for lunch, I realised there was not one MX5 in sight, until we arrived at the restaurant. Lo and behold, there we saw one beautiful MX5 driven all the way from Sydney by our club Treasurer!
Lunch was an enjoyable affair at Milton's Altar Wine Bar, located within the gardens of The Old Church, overlooking the lush green countryside. At the rear of the church is a historic cemetery. Doesn't everyone dine next to a cemetery? Food was delicious and plentiful (maybe we shouldn't have indulged in that last piece of rocky road at morning tea?) The live music may not have been to everyone's taste, in fact the lead singer was compared to a screeching owl! Actually, I quite enjoyed it.
This year's celebration done and dusted!
Thank you from Anda and myself for braving the weather to make this year's event a success
Again, I ask, are we a car club or a lunch club? Both!
