President's report September

Hi and G’day members, how are you going? I hope this finds you all in good stead. If so how about giving Maffra a thought and come on down. I do believe it will be one you would not want to miss. It is being organised by two of the nicest people, Henk and Louis and knowing them as I think I do, they will be planning a couple of things that are very different from other rallies. Eastlakers are a very good branch that you have to meet and they would sure like to meet you. Hey, don’t forget at the rally you get to meet me, what more do you want? I will personally take you to meet other members if you’d like, if I don’t I will give you permission to throw a custard pie at Jeff our secretary.

Here’s a little bit about my recent travels to South Australia with my wife Doreen.
On our way to the Gumnut Rally we stayed at Peter and Myra Annells place, being the hosts they are they took us around the Barossa Valley. You have to see it to believe the beauty of the area especially the GrantBurge winery where the Australian Invitation Eleven cricket team go and play. The grounds, gardens and old buildings are something to look at and hold in wonder. They have been given the right treatment down to every last detail, it is worth going to see. It is also amazing to see the deep valleys and the misty hill peaks all so green and lush.

Time to head up to Laura for the branch meeting. We stopped at a couple of places along the way. It reached dinner and Peter said, “How about we go to the pub.” I was ok with anything but Myra suggested a nice looking restaurant where we all ordered a chicken pie and coffee. The pie came in a little white glass dish with stuff on top. After we finished eating Peter asked the lady how much for four coffees and four pies. She replied “$97 thank you sir.” I started to huff and puff, Peter raised his eye brow and said you only get caught once mate and Myra won’t be so quick with her suggestions next time.

Laura is a very good spot to have a local branch meeting. It was a very friendly and welcoming town to everyone whether they were on their own or in a group. The town people say g’day and give advice if required.

The sausage sizzle was cooked perfect because I personally cooked it. Some gave orders on how to cook a good snag but I think they were lucky to get what they got, god bless them! The monthly meeting went off quiet well. We would have happy hour in Margaret and Ken’s cabin. Everyone joined in the laughing, talking and joking. The big fibs being told were unreal, they were very good happy hours as it should be.

Everyone just turned over backwards to make sure that Doreen and I had a good time. There are no words to explain their love and friendship, we both thank everyone from the bottom of our hearts.

One Tassie club I have spoken to has said there could be a couple of meetings coming up but the next one is their Christmas meeting. Doreen and I will be there, maybe with another couple - all depends as times have changed. There are some blokes in this Tassie club that I have to catch up with from my last visit. I won't go into it now but a few baldy headed blokes, not over tall and not alot going for them either, they may have changed or got lost, I really don't know. It will be interesting to see them at the Christmas meeting. I will be checking in with three other Tassie clubs to get their dates for 4 Nov and mid December - straight after Maffra is when we leave.

Until next time
regards
Leo