Andre Rieu Fans and Friends: Andre Rieu South Australian Friendship Group November, 2010

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Andre Rieu South Australian Friendship Group November, 2010

SOUTH AUSTRALIAN ANDRÉ RIEU FRIENDSHIP GROUP - Monday November 29th 2010

It's hard to believe that we have come to the end of this year's monthly meetings. Today we welcomed back Judy and Mavis, who are only able to join us on the 5th Monday in a month. Joining us for the first time was Phil Nicholas, a friend of Terry's. Welcome Phil and we hope we have the pleasure of your company next year. Apologies were received from Lyla and Libby who are both on the sick list. We wish you both a quick recovery.

As usual, we began the day, whilst awaiting our lunches to arrive,

reading this month's downloads which were passed around and the news on André discussed. I was happy to pass on the news that Our Man had returned to the stage with concerts in Antwerp, Amsterdam and Mexico and had now arrived in Phoenix. I also told the group that I had read that Andre had become a Grandfather for a 4th time, although I had no other information in regards to this wonderful news and pass on our congratulations to the Rieu family on this happy occasion.

Naturally André's past (and may it remain in the past) illness was again a large part of our discussions and how this had effected the members of the orchestra and the vocalists. I was able to pass out downloads I had on Gary Bennett's cd and I informed them that Bela had also released one as well and Mirusia had been home in Brisbane performing, but we all agreed that they would be happy to be traveling again.

The DVD for the day was "Christmas with André Rieu". I have to admit it is probably my favourite Christmas DVD of Andrés'. I think this is because of it's intimacy. How young he and the orchestra look and how gorgeous our Man was..... er.....is. Some of us stopped our gas bagging, instead, we began singing the carols. For Terry, his favourite Christmas DVD is the one with the Japanese children. He told us that he introduces André to friends with this concert. As I write this, I immediately think of Suzan singing with the children. She really does have such an angelic voice. Regardless of which DVD is the favourite, Christmas concerts by Andre are always very special.

Our lunches were brought up by Emilee, who runs the bar and Jack the delightful Thai Chef. Last month everyone gave a gold coin donation with which I bought two boxes of chocolates for the staff of both the bar and kitchen. I got everyone to sign two cards when they arrived and I had the pleasure of presenting these two lovely people with their gifts. Int he past 18 months, we have been extremely well looked after by the bar staff as well as being served by the kitchen, delicious, reasonably priced lunches. Our thanks go to the Director's and look forward to returning next year.

The Group's Christmas party is at our home on Friday December 10. Anyone who hasn't sent in the RSVP and still wishes to attend, I ask them to contact us asap. Thank you to those who have already accepted and paid. Any latecomers can pay on the night.

The one thing I forgot to mention today was the date for the

recommencement next year. I have booked us in with the Director's for the last Monday in February and hope we have the company of everyone again for another happy and enjoyable year.

Rob and I thank everyone for their attendance in 2010. We've said

'goodbye' to some and welcomed newcomers, enjoyed a picnic at the Para Wirra National Park and watched the Maastricht concert on the big screen at the cinema. We look forward to another year with our André friends in 2011, anxiously awaiting the concert in May.

I'd also like to take this opportunity of thanking Jeanine Ann of the

American blog André Rieu Fans and Friends, for her wonderful commitment to posting all our news on the internet. On a personal level, Rob and I thank her for her friendship, which was cultivated in Toronto 2007. We have grown to love and admire this 'pocket rocket', who spends countless hours promoting André, brings people from around the world together in friendship and encourages groups like ours to share our news through her medium, with fans worldwide. May our 'partnership' continue in the new year.

We look forward to seeing most of you on the 10th.

Regards to all

Lyndall and Robert

Lyndall presenting Emilee with her gift

             Lyndall presenting Jack with his gift.

Malcom, Terry and Phil (l - r_)

             Beth, Margaret, Judy, Mavis and Lesley (l - r_