This afternoon, we had 15 fans at the Directors for the first monthly meeting of the year. We had much pleasure in welcoming to our group, Grace, a correspondence member, who is normally unable to join us on a Monday, so it was lovely to finally have the opportunity of meeting her in person. Laurie and Barbara had attended last year's 60th birthday Party we had for Andre, but this is their first Monday with us and finally Wendy, a friend of Kaye's made up the 4 newbies. A very warm welcome to you all and hopefully you will be able to join us at future meetings.

Ann and Lyla who were unable to join us, contacted me beforehand with their apologies. After undergoing knee surgery in November, Lyla had an awful setback, after falling at the weekend. Our thoughts and best wishes are with you Lyla at this time and wish you a very speedy recovery.

Beth is still flitting between Dubai and Londan and won't be back until April. Lucky girl. She sent me an email early in the New Year, which I read out to the group

First on our agenda, was to check with Margaret, to find out if she had heard anything yet from Maastricht regarding the tapestry. She'd been ringing the number, she'd been given by both Kerstin and the Entertainment Centre and is getting no answer. She spent today on the phone with the International Phone Directory and they haven't been able to assist her either. They can't find a listing for AR Productions nor a regional phone listing for the company either. Again, our members were very cross and disappointed for Margaret and justly so.

I've suggested to Margaret she should  contact Universal Australia, to see if they can be of some assistance, which she is going to do tomorrow.

Next on the agenda was a discussion about our March/April meeting. I put forward the suggestion, that instead of holding the normal meeting on Monday March 22nd, we should consider having a Sunday meeting at Para Wira Recreational Park on April 11, which then enables any of our correspondent members who are unable to come on a Monday, the opportunity of spending a quality day with us all.  This invitation is, of course, extended to all family members.

Even though there were a few yesterday, who are unable to make it to the picnic on the 11th, most were in agreement.

As we had our lunch, I handed around 2 folders, with downloads of the latest news in the world of André and the JSO. We also went a little out of the norm, putting on the Heidelberg concert whist we were eating, giving those who had yet to see it, time to see a fair bit of it before they left.

APRIL 11 PICNIC.

WHERE : Para Wirra Recreational Park.  Humbug Scrub Road One Tree Hill. A street map to the park is attached to this email

WHEN : Sunday April 11, 2010

TIME : 11.30 at Directors.   For people coming from the south, south/west or south/east, it is suggested we meet at the Directors at 11.30 and carpool 12.30 at the park

When you arrive at the park, DO NOT pay the entrance fee, that will be collected later. When you drive through the gates, you will see a green painted home with a large verandah. This is Terry's home - Tipperary Lodge. We will all gather there and go in convoy to the oval. If anyone gets to Terry's early, don't be surprised to find yourself with a cuppa in hand just after you get there.  Apart from being a master joke teller, he is also a very fine host.                           

PICNIC AREA: We'll have our picnic at the oval. The terrain is very level, therefore anyone with any sort of disability will have no problem with mobility. There is a large shelter shed, which would hold approx 40 people if the weather was a bit on the damp side.

 SEATING : There are 5 long tables with bench seating for 8 per table. 2 of the tables are in the shed and the other 3 are scattered  around the shed. Therefore, there shouldn't be any need for you to bring table and chairs unless you prefer a  proper camping chair for more comfort.

TOILETS :  There are toilets nearby. For those who are able bodied it is only a short walk, but if anyone feels they are unable to walk the distance, I'm sure one of the drivers would be happy to take you over to them.

BBQ'S :  There are 3 good size gas bbq's for use, if you intend to have a barbie for lunch. Please bring your own cooking utensils, cooking oil etc.

PARK FEE : There is a $6.50 per car fee. During the course of the lunch, Terry will collect the money for each of the cars. It is our suggestion, if you are car pooling, that the passengers ONLY share the payment of the fee. After all, the driver has used their petrol or gas to get us there, so fair's fair.

RUBBISH BINS  : There  are bins provided around the area, but I suggest you take a bag to collect your rubbish, before depositing the rubbish in the bins.

WHAT TO BRING : Your lunch, ie:  meat for the barbie or a sandwich etc. Plates, cups and or glasses, crockery. Drink. Cooking utensils (as previously mentioned), condiments i.e. sauce, p & S, bread and butter, hand towels etc, thermos for tea or coffee, as well as milk and sugar etc.

MUSIC :  If you have a portable cd player, please bring, with all your AR cd's.

INSECTS : I would suggest you bring along insect repellent, as the mossies may decide to make a visit

WHAT TO WEAR : By this time of the year, it will be starting to cool down and it will be a bit cooler there as well, so make sure you have a cardie or jumper with you and perhaps trackies or something comfy to change into if you are in shorts. It's up to you to decided on the type of footwer.

NEW FOUND FURRY FRIENDS : During the course of the day, you may find we are visited by some of the wild life that abound. When we were looking at the area last Monday week ago, we were joined by Dad and Son Emu. Possibly as the afternoon progresses, we may have the company of some Roos as well. 

IF YOU DON'T WORRY THEM, THEY WILL NOT WORRY YOU
AS IT IS BAD FOR ROOS TO EAT BREAD, PLEASE REFRAIN FROM FEEDING THEM

FOR THOSE LEAVING LATE IN THE ARVO:  Terry has kindly offered to supply coffee and cake back at the Lodge at day's end for anyone who wishes to stretch the day. He is custodian of the gate keys, so there is no fear of you being locked in for the night.

 

EXTRA BONUS : At around 5, Terry feeds the roos and if you are brave enough to do so, he will give you the opportunity of doing so as well. Hopefully his 7 foot friend Rupert, will join you for his feed.

N.B. : There will NOT be a meeting at the Directors on March 22.

Please be diligent with your food scraps and rubbish. Make sure you leave no mess behind. If there is anything left that can be ingested, the animals may try to do just that, with dire consequences.
 

So come along, bring Hubby and the kids, there's plenty of room to kick a footy or hit a cricket ball, Or dance for that matter; on table tops is you wish. We look forward to hopefully seeing a good  number of you.

Reminders will be sent out closer to the time.

We hope you enjoyed the last meeting .

Love to all
Lyndall and Robert