There can only be one Marion and everyone was happy to see her back as President of Frankston Branch. This year saw an increase in the numbers on Committee and that means our club is healthy and thriving, needless to say, all the members take credit for such a great club.
It's true we are friendly and take great pride in our inclusiveness. Everyone is welcome and welcomed at Frankston, so if you're in the area, check us out.
So, from the top we have the effervescent Marion leading us into another year:
A special thank you to Bob who fitted us into his busy schedule. There is always a warm welcome for any visitors from other Branches at our meetings.
Back row: Bob Goodyear conducted the election, John (Vice President).
Front row, Mary (Secretary), Marion (President), Mike (Treasurer).
Next the general committee:
Back Row: Mike, John, Geoffrey.
Middle row: Leanne, Helen, Edna, Pam, Margaret.
Front row: Diane, Marion, Mary, Jo, Margaret (Social Events Coordinator), Brenda.
With all of you looking after all of us, we can look forward to another fantastic year.
A warm and fuzzy day was had by all those who went to the Koala Centre, down here on the Mornington Peninsular. With Andrew from Driver's Busses giving us pure gold with his in-depth knowledge of the area, this was a wonderful day.
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| I hate to tell you Marion, this isn't a real bear! |
Every year we host an Australian Biggest Morning Tea for the Cancer Institute. Every year we are amazed at the generosity of our local traders and members who, combined, helped us raise $29013.15.
Ex-President Roy McLaren conducted the usual chaotic and now infamous auction from donated goods. Much mayhem was generated which Deputy Mayor Cr Glenn Aitken of Frankston City Council joined in and gave us the thumbs up for a very enjoyable, fun morning.
President Marion lead a team of kitchen maids all intent on expanding our waistlines, but the recipients had to admit, it was a delicious morning tea.
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| Deputy Mayor, Cr Glenn Aitken & President Marion |
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| The fun trivia quiz had us all (cheating!) puzzled. |
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| Ex President Roy presents a raffle prize to Cr Glenn Aitken |
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| Always time to catch up and have a natter |
We held one our famous 'Chat n Chews' for our Easter meeting. The committee served up lovely hot-cross buns for morning tea and everyone had a lovely natter.
A highlight of this meeting is our Easter Parade where the more clever girls and guys decorate their Easter bonnetts. A prize is given to the best, but this year we just had to give two prizes as the choice was too difficult.
The huge Easter Raffles saw half a dozen member take home some lovely bunny baskets full of goodies. Another really great morning with heaps of fun.
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| Easter Parade |
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| Margaret congratulates the winners, Toni on the left & Daphne on the right. |
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| Whose basket is it? Fight for it girls. |
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| John is always popular when he devivers the goodies. |
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| Margaret won a basket too, her grandchilden will be please. |
Every year we hold a free picnic for our members as a thank you for their loyalty and their support in raising money for our charites. For years we have been welcomed to Dame Elizabeth Murdoch's property, Cruden Farm, and have even been visited by Dame Elizabeth on the day. Recently, the family dogs would visit, hoping no doubt for a treat. Unfortunately, since her passing, her family have formed a trust and have decided to charge $15 per head. I can't imagin that Dame Elizabeth would be happy as she loved to encourage non profit communities such as ours to enjoy her beautiful gardens of which she was so proud. Such a shame.
The decision by the family trust left us with a dilemma, where to hold our picnic that wouldn't cost a fourtune that could eat into our limited funds. Our new committee settled on Seaford Hall and I'm happy to report that our council assited with the costs. However, it is a distance from Frankston with limited parking so not as convient for some members.
The day itself was lovely, a sunny day, even if we were inside this year, but we were treated to great entertainment by Jamez Harrison and Sally Carter who play under the title of "Circular Junction". We dined on roast chicken, coldslaw and potato salad, jelly or fruit salad and ice-cream, and there was plenty of it.
Here's hoping we can find a lovely venue closer to home next year where we can sit in the sunshine but still have cover if we need it.
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| Jamez Harrison & Sally Carter tune up for a sing-song |
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| Circular Juncton getting our feet tapping |
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| Win and Pam audition for Eurovision |
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| A view of our members |
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| An another view - I'm getting good at captions! |
Lamingtons, a nice hot cuppa and a good chat with friends, does it get any better? We started our year with what we like to call: A "Chat N Chew" morning. As sometimes happens, our speaker couldn't make it so we always have a contingency plan, and our members love it. We sometimes schedule a chat n chew morning just because everyone loves to catch up, find out what's going on and generally feel free to wander around and compare plans.
The committee ran a 20 question trivia quiz where rampant cheating and brazen plagiarism took place. Win Smythe took the first and only prize which was a Vegemite sandwich and a banana!
We have a few pics for you...not a bad turn-out for our first meeting of the year.
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| Win takes her prize of a Vegemite sandwich and banana. |
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| Marion HEADS the meeting...Sorry, couldn't resist it! |
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| Hanging on to every word. |
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| And another angle |
