Illawarra Chapter 9th Birthday
25 May 2021 / Words: Jeff and Pam Rowe. Photos: Barry Pope, Adele Weatherall, Senia Gaunson
How good is it when you get invited to a birthday party? The excitement about who you’ll see there, usually some family and friends you may not have seen for some time, then there’s buying the gift and getting dressed up in all your finery so you look your best and of course the food.
The Illawarra Chapter celebrated its 9th birthday on the 5th May. Many members celebrated this day at a chapter dinner meeting on the 6th May. A cake was baked by popular chapter member Jennifer Keenahan. Those there ate it in next to no time. Thank you Jennifer you’ll surely be asked to make more cakes in the future.
The invite to the official chapter party was put on the club events web page by the chapter run coordinator, Adele Weatherall. With the date set, 22nd May, the meeting place for a short run arranged and the time this was all to start advertised, 40 members met anxiously awaiting instructions from Adele as to the route we were to take to our lunch venue.
Adele led us all out, about 24 cars, for a short 5 minute drive. We crossed a busy road with a stop sign resulting in a few members losing sight of the car in front so missing the left hand turn we made on the way. Result: - 2 lost members. Many phone calls later and with the use of Google Maps James Mate and Phil Reid joined us with smiles all over their faces.
The first thing that everyone commented on was the view from the venue.
Situated up on the escarpment with a panoramic view over a large part of the Illawarra and a few feral deer thrown in, it is a beautiful place. We are lucky that Adele knew about it. The weather was perfect for sitting inside or on a large verandah that ran around the side of the building so we could take advantage of the sun and view.
Due to COVID there were so many members who had not been to an event for 12 to 18 months. No family members but lots of catching up with club friends. That is the great thing about our club, you can join an event, after some time away, and be welcomed back like you were only there yesterday. Lots of catching up about families, health issues, politics and our cars.
What about the food you ask? It was a spit roast with beef, hot ham and chicken. Of course all the trimmings came with it along with dessert for those who could fit it in. Some wine was drunk, with the other MX-5 drivers having water or coffee. Due to some behind the scene negotiations this was a club subsidized event which was enjoyed by all members present. Thank you to those who were involved in the back room discussions.
There were no presents brought to this party but most members came in their chapter finery. As you can see in the photos it was a sea of RED.
You can’t have a party without some speeches.
Kerry Smith thanked Adele for organizing the day then Adele thanked others for their continued involvement in the running of the chapter. At Adele’s request Bryan Shedden then gave a brief and interesting history of the Illawarra Chapter. How, where and why it was formed. Members who have held positions. Peter Feutrill was the first convenor and chose the Chapter Regalia Colour, RED. Thanks Pete.
This turned out to be a great party at a top venue with everyone having a good time talking, laughing and eating. Thank you to all who played a part in organizing the day and those who came to help make it so enjoyable.
And where were Jan, Garry, Hella and Mark our Illawarra Chapter stalwarts? This is where, hope they didn't try to drive there in their MX-5s!
