Andre Rieu - South Australia Friendship Group - April, 2010
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ANDRÉ RIEU FRIENDSHIP GROUP
"Give me a home amongst the Gum Trees"..........................
On Sunday April 11, 2010, The South Australian André Rieu Friendship Group had a break from the traditional monthly 'indoor' meeting, having the April gathering at the Para Wirra Recreational Park.
Rob and I picked up Ness on the way to the Directors Hotel. We were early, but Ness was waiting for us and therefore we arrived at the hotel well before 11am, expecting to wait for the others meeting us there. As it turned out, we were the last to arrive and our small convoy to the park started, with Honey and Peter leading the way in their white Caddy.
On arrival at the park's cottage, the home of member Terry, we were well ahead of schedule only to find the house empty, as Terry was out shopping for our afternoon tea. When he got back home, he suggested we make our way to the chosen shelter shed, in case someone beaten us to it, whilst he remained to greet those coming from the northern suburbs, due to arrive at 12.30.
As predicted, the shed was already taken, so we went to one close by. Even though this one didn't have any bbq's, in retrospect it turned out to be the better of the 2, as it was right next to the oval, close to the playground and walking tracks. Honey had brought along her two gorgeous Granddaughters, Jacinta and Karlee. These girls would have to be the most well mannered, best behaved youngsters I've ever met. It was a pleasure to have them with us.
After unpacking the car, Rob went back to join Terry, whilst the rest of us set up our 'little home amongst the gumtrees'. First port of call for Peter was to unfurl the Maastricht and Dutch flags and attached them to one of the windows and the smaller flags on the car windows, whilst pre-lunch nibbles were handed around. We were shortly joined by Kaye and John and newcomer Colin.
As rain was forecast, most decided on picnic lunch, but Terry, Rob and I took a chance and had bbq. The people at the original shelter allowed us to use one of the bbq plates. We offered up many sausages for Clara and were rewarded with a fine day and even sunshine and blue skies for a while, in the early afternoon.
As we dined, we were surrounded by the peace and tranquility of the park, with the only sounds, André quietly playing in the background, happy chatter and the tinkle of cutlery.
After lunch we were joined by birthday girl, Barbara, Laurie, Daughter and Grandchildren. Laurie who had been ill in the morning got out of his sickbed to be with us, for which we are grateful.
By about 4 p.m.the sun had gone and the temperature seemed to drop drastically, so whilst we cleaned up, Terry and Kaye headed back to the lodge to put on the urn and start getting afternoon tea ready.
As we arrived back at Tipperary Lodge, we were welcomed by some of the locals. The children were so excited, as were we,the young at heart, to see so many kangaroos in the nearby bush.
Some of the kids had seen the resident father and son emus as well as ducks on their way back. They'd stopped at the lake and were able to feed the emus and ducks with bread kindly supplied by Terry.
I was so surprised to see the Roos so close to the house, without being intimidated by us. As long as we were fairly quiet, they remained grazing. Dare I mention that my better half dropped the chairs and there was a very hasty exodus of our beautiful native animals.
They quickly regrouped, coming in from all directions.There was great excitement, amongst our group, as the roos gathered around the back of the house, where Terry feeds them every evening. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, we'd go to the backdoor to watch them eating.
*Please note the joey at the back of the 'mob'. He'd lost sight of his mother earlier and the cry from him was pitiful, but the mother took no notice as she was so busy eating. Terry whistled for him and he eventually found his way back to the diners, but was too frightened to go any further onto the verandah.
Rob played the part of the Pied Piper, taking the children and some of the adults on a trek to the nearby abandoned goldmine. Karlee came back to the house happily clutching her piece of 'gold nugget'.
As usual, Terry was the perfect host, for which on behalf of our group, I say "thank you" for your wonderful hospitality. As the coolness of the afternoon descended upon us, a hot cuppa was much appreciated, as was the cake Terry supplied. Along with the home made biscuits Margaret, Honey and I made, we had quite the feast. Who would have thought, that after all we had at lunch, we would have room for so much extra. Perhaps it had something to do with the fresh country air.
No one really wanted to leave, but slowly our numbers dwindled. Finally Honey, Peter and girls and Ness, Rob and Ibid John, Kaye and Terry farewell. Night had arrived and we all had quite a distance to drive. Terry has since told me, that John and Kaye had stayed till after 10.30
They day was a huge success. Everyone enjoyed themselves,including the girls, who, at a very young age, integrated so well, with we oldies and Clara was very kind to us weather wise.
As we head towards the winter months, our monthly meetings will be back at the directors, but I suggest, once the weather improves and we are blessed with warmer weather, we again head outdoors for a repeat weekend picnic.
Unfortunately, some of our members, were unable to join us. We had apologies from Ann, Lyla and Pat who are all on the sick list and we wish you all a speedy recovery. Lesley and Judy had prior arrangements. Betty was having eye surgery this week and we hope all went well. Intrepid traveler, Beth is still overseas and I believe is back in Dubai. Colin, who was able to join us, will be unable to do so in future as he is battling serious health issues. Thank you for making the effort to come and we wish you the very best as you face months of treatment. It was a pleasure to meet you.
REMINDER
There is no April meeting at the Directors due to the picnic and it is also the ANZAC Day holiday.
MAY
Our next meeting is on the 31st May. As this is our 1st year's gathering, I hope we will have a lot of members join us. Please bring scarves, etc. and make it a festive occasion.
Rob and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who joined us last Sunday week and making it such a terrific day.
Lyndall and Robert.
"Give me a home amongst the Gum Trees"..........................
On Sunday April 11, 2010, The South Australian André Rieu Friendship Group had a break from the traditional monthly 'indoor' meeting, having the April gathering at the Para Wirra Recreational Park.
Rob and I picked up Ness on the way to the Directors Hotel. We were early, but Ness was waiting for us and therefore we arrived at the hotel well before 11am, expecting to wait for the others meeting us there. As it turned out, we were the last to arrive and our small convoy to the park started, with Honey and Peter leading the way in their white Caddy.
On arrival at the park's cottage, the home of member Terry, we were well ahead of schedule only to find the house empty, as Terry was out shopping for our afternoon tea. When he got back home, he suggested we make our way to the chosen shelter shed, in case someone beaten us to it, whilst he remained to greet those coming from the northern suburbs, due to arrive at 12.30.
As predicted, the shed was already taken, so we went to one close by. Even though this one didn't have any bbq's, in retrospect it turned out to be the better of the 2, as it was right next to the oval, close to the playground and walking tracks. Honey had brought along her two gorgeous Granddaughters, Jacinta and Karlee. These girls would have to be the most well mannered, best behaved youngsters I've ever met. It was a pleasure to have them with us.
After unpacking the car, Rob went back to join Terry, whilst the rest of us set up our 'little home amongst the gumtrees'. First port of call for Peter was to unfurl the Maastricht and Dutch flags and attached them to one of the windows and the smaller flags on the car windows, whilst pre-lunch nibbles were handed around. We were shortly joined by Kaye and John and newcomer Colin.
As rain was forecast, most decided on picnic lunch, but Terry, Rob and I took a chance and had bbq. The people at the original shelter allowed us to use one of the bbq plates. We offered up many sausages for Clara and were rewarded with a fine day and even sunshine and blue skies for a while, in the early afternoon.
As we dined, we were surrounded by the peace and tranquility of the park, with the only sounds, André quietly playing in the background, happy chatter and the tinkle of cutlery.
After lunch we were joined by birthday girl, Barbara, Laurie, Daughter and Grandchildren. Laurie who had been ill in the morning got out of his sickbed to be with us, for which we are grateful.
By about 4 p.m.the sun had gone and the temperature seemed to drop drastically, so whilst we cleaned up, Terry and Kaye headed back to the lodge to put on the urn and start getting afternoon tea ready.
As we arrived back at Tipperary Lodge, we were welcomed by some of the locals. The children were so excited, as were we,the young at heart, to see so many kangaroos in the nearby bush.
Some of the kids had seen the resident father and son emus as well as ducks on their way back. They'd stopped at the lake and were able to feed the emus and ducks with bread kindly supplied by Terry.
I was so surprised to see the Roos so close to the house, without being intimidated by us. As long as we were fairly quiet, they remained grazing. Dare I mention that my better half dropped the chairs and there was a very hasty exodus of our beautiful native animals.
They quickly regrouped, coming in from all directions.There was great excitement, amongst our group, as the roos gathered around the back of the house, where Terry feeds them every evening. Throughout the rest of the afternoon, we'd go to the backdoor to watch them eating.
*Please note the joey at the back of the 'mob'. He'd lost sight of his mother earlier and the cry from him was pitiful, but the mother took no notice as she was so busy eating. Terry whistled for him and he eventually found his way back to the diners, but was too frightened to go any further onto the verandah.
Rob played the part of the Pied Piper, taking the children and some of the adults on a trek to the nearby abandoned goldmine. Karlee came back to the house happily clutching her piece of 'gold nugget'.
As usual, Terry was the perfect host, for which on behalf of our group, I say "thank you" for your wonderful hospitality. As the coolness of the afternoon descended upon us, a hot cuppa was much appreciated, as was the cake Terry supplied. Along with the home made biscuits Margaret, Honey and I made, we had quite the feast. Who would have thought, that after all we had at lunch, we would have room for so much extra. Perhaps it had something to do with the fresh country air.
No one really wanted to leave, but slowly our numbers dwindled. Finally Honey, Peter and girls and Ness, Rob and Ibid John, Kaye and Terry farewell. Night had arrived and we all had quite a distance to drive. Terry has since told me, that John and Kaye had stayed till after 10.30
They day was a huge success. Everyone enjoyed themselves,including the girls, who, at a very young age, integrated so well, with we oldies and Clara was very kind to us weather wise.
As we head towards the winter months, our monthly meetings will be back at the directors, but I suggest, once the weather improves and we are blessed with warmer weather, we again head outdoors for a repeat weekend picnic.
Unfortunately, some of our members, were unable to join us. We had apologies from Ann, Lyla and Pat who are all on the sick list and we wish you all a speedy recovery. Lesley and Judy had prior arrangements. Betty was having eye surgery this week and we hope all went well. Intrepid traveler, Beth is still overseas and I believe is back in Dubai. Colin, who was able to join us, will be unable to do so in future as he is battling serious health issues. Thank you for making the effort to come and we wish you the very best as you face months of treatment. It was a pleasure to meet you.
REMINDER
There is no April meeting at the Directors due to the picnic and it is also the ANZAC Day holiday.
MAY
Our next meeting is on the 31st May. As this is our 1st year's gathering, I hope we will have a lot of members join us. Please bring scarves, etc. and make it a festive occasion.
Rob and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking everyone who joined us last Sunday week and making it such a terrific day.
Lyndall and Robert.
Comments