Sydney's Christmas Lunch and Awards Presentation

11 December 2023 / Story by Glenn Weir, photos by Bob Lipa, Maree Eccleston, Brigid McCarthy

Story by Glenn Weir , photos courtesy of Bob Lipa, Maree Eccleston and Brigid McCarthy

We set off from Macca's Mt Colah for the Sydney Chapter Christmas Party with the forecast temperature of 43 degrees. The run leader, Steve, gave us permission to drive with the tops closed. There were however, a few foolish, I mean brave souls, who drove with the scorching wind in their hair. I can only imagine what it was like for the poor Elf trapped in Brigid's boot.

There were some unplanned deviations with Steve confusing his left from his right on a few occasions. We did begin to wonder if perhaps Steve had made an early morning start to the Christmas cheer. At one point he even claimed to see 2 pink elephants on the roadside. Steve did end up atoning for his sins with a quick visit to the Wyong Baptist Church, well the roundabout in their carpark anyway. With our souls cleansed we finally arrived at The Doylo, where the air conditioning was a welcome relief from the heat.

After a cold drink or two, the annual presentations were made with Brigid McCarthy taking out the Chapter Member of the Year Award. She is certainly a worthy recipient with her contribution to the club, in particular arranging the inaugural Women behind The Wheel Run and High Tea which was a resounding success.

The New Members of the Year trophy was awarded to yours truly and my wife Eilis Weir which was a real surprise.

We finished off the day with an enjoyable lunch chatting with friends

3 of our outgoing convenors who have been in hospital received hampers.