Andre Rieu - South Australia Friendship Group - May, 2010
SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FRIENDSHIP GROUP
On Monday May 31, our group celebrated our first year. It was only a small gathering, but one that was most enjoyable.
We had 3 resignations due to the distances having to be traveled and apologies from Margaret, who brought in André for the big occasion, but was unable to stay, having received a phone call from an ill friend earlier in the morning, Betty who was in Melbourne to celebrate her birthday with family and Lyla, who had another knee operation the Friday before and we wish her well in her recovery.. Happily, we welcomed back Beth, who had returned from her 4 month holiday overseas.
Instead of our usual upstairs venue, I booked the downstairs 'nook', knowing there would only be a few of us. It turned out to be a good decision, as we fitted in nicely and it made it much more cozy.
As we didn't have access to a video screen, we played the latest cd, "You Raise Me Up", released only a few weeks beforehand for Mother's Day. It was the first time most had heard it.
I'd made up a collage of our past year, with the photo of our first meeting in the centre and photos of our outside functions and the February meeting which was our biggest indoors gathering, radiating from it.
After handing out the latest downloaded André news for all to read and the usual delicious lunch, we not only talked about the obvious, but entered into a lively discussion on an interesting point put forward by Terry. As we all know, the Great One is never ill, but Terry asked what would happen,if the unthinkable did happen and André was too ill to appear at a concert?
The main theme of the question was - does he have an understudy, or would the concert have to be canceled? We couldn't imagine the concert being canceled, but as to the 'understudy', I don't think we came to any real conclusion.
Naturally, the other topic of great interest was the up coming live-feed from Maastricht. Unfortunately, we won't all be able to attend the same cinema, but some of us are going to be at the one in Mitcham. Lesley is coming from the other side of town, which is terrific as she has quite a distance to travel. Ann thinks she may be away then, so won't be making any decisions and Beth is holding a 'Christmas in July' on the day, therefore she'll be unable to go either. We'll be attending her function, but lunch will just about be afternoon tea, by the time we arrive, but can you imagine the smile that will be on our faces?
After lunch, Rob took a photo of us with our beloved André. We then tucked into a Strawberry gateau anniversary cake
Normally, our meetings go for about 2 hours, but most didn't want to pull up stumps early and the last of us left 4 hours later.
Our next meeting is on Monday June 28th, 12.30 at the Directors Hotel.
Lyndall and Robert
Footnote: I'm happy to advise that Colin Anderson, who joined us for the picnic, has finished chemo and is now on the road to recovery. He will be attending the Picadilly cinema. If you met Colin at Para Wirra and are going to the Pic, keep an eye out for him.
"Terry, Ann, Lyndall, André, Ness, Lesley and Beth sitting"
"Early arrivals, Beth and Lesley with Lyndall in our little nook"
"The Collage"
"Yummy!!"
Hi there Lyndall & Robert, I am writing from Cape Town South Africa and am very interested in forming a fan club with Andre. There are very many fans here in South Africa and it would be great to be able to get in touchn with each other. We were very blessed with Andre's concerts in South Africa in May, I attended 2 in Cape Town & was fortunate enough to attend later in May a concert in Salzburg, Austria. Have already booked for his return in May 2011. I would be most greatful if youn could fill me in on how to go about forming a fan club.
Greetings from South Africa to Australia.
Julie
Hello Julie
I'd be only too happy to assist you in starting your Friendship Group. Please note that as Andre doesn't believe in fan clubs, we call them Friendship groups.
Email me at (REDACTED) and I'll send you as much detail as I can. I did the same for Jill in Geelong Victoria Aust and her group is very successful.
Success of course, comes from those who run the group. I am only giving you guidelines. Jill has put a lot of very hard work into her group, with great success.
Just be prepared to spend a lot of hours on it, particularly in the beginning whilst setting it up.
Look forward to hearing from you
Regards
Lyndall
Sth Australia
Hi my dear Lyndall - I am sending your email address to Julie! Thanks for answering. Will email you soon. Love
Hello Lyndall
I have lost your email address can you please send it me again, sorry.
I heard on the news today that Andre will be featuring The Seekers on his Australian Tour this year.
Has Andre released any more DVD's since I lost my heart in Heidleberg?
Regards
Lynne
Hi Lynne
If you like, Jeanine Ann will email you my address. (thinks Jeanine)
Yes, The Seekers are touring with Andre throughout Australia. Last year in
Sydney, Allen Jones did one of their songs which peaked Andre's interest and has since been in touch with their manager, making arrangements for them to tour with him this year.
The latest cd to be released in Australia was "You raise me up" which was out for Mother's Day. There are a few new songs on the cd and I have to admit, I like it.
As for DVD's Heidleberg was his last release.
Regards
Lyndall