Christmas in July, 2009

18-19 July

Photos from the event

By Antonia Riley “Aqualine”

With the popular and dare I say becoming a “traditional” event is “Christmas in July” which the Whittley Club has now put on its yearly calendar.  This year the occasion was celebrated at Harrigan’s Irish Pub, Calypso Bay (Jacobs Well).  Members were not disappointed with a great weekend all round complete with ideal boating weather, good food and great company. 

Members started drifting in on Saturday afternoon, some sat back in their boats with a couple of drinks catching up on gossip with other boaties, while other members tried their luck at fishing!  Late afternoon everyone started to make their way over to the pub where we all enjoyed a few pre-Christmas dinner drinks before settling down to a feast.  Harrigan’s did not disappoint our expectations, we were greeted with a Christmas tree complete with lights by the fire place (although I didn’t see any presents!) and Christmas would not be complete without the bon bons on the tables (although the bon bon jokes were a bit old).  We all enjoyed a great three-course meal, which also included turkey, ham, roast lamb and finishing with the traditional Christmas pudding.  During the evening we were entertained by an Irish band and as the night wore on and the drinks flowed, we had a table in particular that thought they could also sing in tune with the band. 

During a break in the evening, Susanne “Trust Me” on behalf of the Whittley Club thanked both Graham and Sue  “Fox Sea Lady” for their time and effort in organising this great event.   A welcome was also extended to our new Club members and visitors:

• Bob Montgomery and Laurel Morris “Ace”
• Mark and daughter Cassie Armanasco “Cas Mar Caz”
• David, Lyne and Destiny Harris “Lizy’s Pride”
• David and Kathy Patton

The event was well attended by fifty adults, three children and a total of eighteen boats (not counting the number of dogs).

A leisurely brekky was enjoyed at the Pub in the morning before everyone started to drift off to make the most of yet another beautiful Queensland winters day and the end to yet another very successful Whittley Club outing.

V.M.R Report

By Vivienne Rennie

Saturday afternoon saw us going to Volunteer Marine Rescue at Jacobs Well for a guided tour. It was interesting to learn that V.M.R receive only $10000 a year from state government. They are all volunteer's, so once a month they are rostered on from Friday through to Sunday and then once a month they also do a Friday night out at the hotels selling raffles, to support their efforts.
They have around 120 financial members. It is very important for boaties to know that these volunteer's work very hard in keeping us safe and sometimes without a lot of thanks. You can join V.M.R as a support member for around $50 per year, this would give you assistance if required. Their charge out rates are $130 per hour, this is to cover their costs.
So once again thank you to Bill Beveridge and all in his Green Crew for showing us around.
 
Regards Vivienne Rennie.