The Christmas Dinner meeting had an attendance of 83, which included 29 members. Honorary member Mayor Karen Redman was a guest along with a host of family members and friends.
Sgt-at-arms Barry Stewart opened the meeting by welcoming the guests and introduced chairman PP Brian Burt, who was appropriately attired in headwear and bow tie that reflected the festive season.
There was no barrel roll and Sgt. Barry got the fines session under way with Bunyip pictures being displayed on the TV screen. Of particular note was Mark Forgie’s historic hearse, during John Barnet’s funeral procession, knocking over the cones reserving a space outside the Bunyip office as a tribute to John and his long association with the newspaper. Barry called President Mark and Bob Hinderwell to the front for a comparison of their hair styles and the Mohawkan piece he was displaying.
Following the first meal course, Salvation Army Major Darren Cox was invited to give a Christmas message, in which he focused on the word HOPE. He spoke of the world having to cope with the Covid-19 pandemic throughout 2020. And how it relates to the humble circumstances of the nativity bringing forth a resilient spirit of hope that has the ability to rise above the secular values of politics and material wealth. He closed with a blessing. He was then presented with the donated gifts from under the Christmas tree for needy children.
Next Darren Schutz gave a display of magic tricks, beginning with the assistance of guest Diane he cut a piece of rope several times and mysteriously re-join it, conjured knots, and turned it into an endless loop. He tore a broad newssheet into small pieces and restored it whole again, and used a wand to produce numerous small balls apparently out of thin air.
With Bruce the goose on his arm and assisted by guests Kingsley, Julie and Leanne, Darren completed a series of mind-reading tricks, ending by producing a playing card corresponding to one that Sgt. Barry had thought of beforehand. His final turn was a story told using playing cards.
It was then time for Honorary PP Peter Nettelbeck to auction off the donated items that included fine wines, handcrafted items from the Willo’s Menshed, a travel voucher, a food basket and jewellery. Last but not least Wayne Murphy was again the successful bidder for the perennial can of beetroot. The total raised by the auction was $2675.
President Mark thanked all for attending, and wished them a Happy New Year before closing the meeting calling for the reciting of the 4-way test.
