There was a lot of packing to do before we headed away. Not only were we off to Rangiotu School for our Christmas Rally, but them immediately after that we were heading away on our South Island Trip. On Thursday when we packed up, the weather was fine and sunny.
Packing up in the sunshine
Wouldn't you know it, the rain returned on Friday morning as we were finishing up, and continued to follow us north. Luckily, it seemed to be localized, and we arrived at Rangiotu School where it was fine and sunny. That’s not to say that the rain kept away during our rally, we certainly got our share of precipitation over the weekend. Four vans had arrived a day early on Thursday, and were well set up. After lunch we had to make a mercy dash into Palmy as one of the arms had snapped off my reading glasses – a bit of a disaster as we were travelling down south in a matter of days. Luckily Spec Savers saved the day, they had a spare piece needed, so I was very appreciative of that.
You know the silly season is approaching fast when the sound of bagpipes playing Christmas carols fills the air. The musicians were playing their hearts out in the square, just a little too far away for us to see clearly. But what we did see was a statue of a fine looking fellow. Is he a Christmas Elf, or maybe he is a gnome?. Never seen him before, but it seems he has been standing on this corner for a couple of years now.
He is looking happy
Back at the school
President Owen had arranged for the school caretaker to come and give us a talk in the evening. He related the story of how his father had built his own caravan in the 40s. Alan's father built a wooden frame, and then a local engineer strengthened it by adding a steel strapping around the frame. Parts were hard to come by after the war years, so creative thinking came into play. What a big job that must have been, and the family went on to have many happy holidays together. Alan then touched on the cars his father used to tow the van, and the long, long treks the family made on their holidays, often over unsealed roads, back in the day. It was a very interesting evening indeed.
Alan kept us entertained
Saturday was a very full day indeed. We were treated to a piece of delicious cream sponge in celebration of Dot’s recent birthday.
Happy Birthday, Dot
Selwyn and Kath drove up at lunch time, and we joined them for lunch, all munching our mid day meals together. There was plenty of catching up to do, and it was so nice to see them both again.
Selwyn and Kath
A trip to the Christmas Barn after lunch was a real treat for the ladies, plus a few hubbies, in the afternoon. The car park was packed, and the barn was full of happy Christmas shoppers. This was wonderfully set out, and there was such a lot to see and admire. Yes, I’ll admit I did pass my credit card across the counter, I took home something for me, and Christmas ornaments for the grand-daughters. I found Robin and Owen sitting outside at a picnic table, and a chicken got tangled up under Robin’s feet. What a racket, the chicken let out an almighty squawk, and rushed away, flapping her wings and loudly voicing her displeasure, giving us all such a fright!
The Christmas Barn
The tables were set up in one of the classrooms for our shared Christmas Dinner. Sue put up a small Christmas Tree to add a festive feel, and members came in with their cutlery, plates and table decorations. Sue had also made place setting names, and very elegant they were too. We pulled our crackers, donned our paper hats, read out the silly jokes, and had a great time.
We were so pleased to welcome special guests Barrie and Diane, who are now Associate Members of the club. Lorraine and Larry arrived from USA for a three month holiday, so it was great to welcome then back to New Zealand again. It was so nice to catch up with these special members again.
Diane and Barrie, Lorraine and Larry
Everyone brought their own mains, and the club provided strawberries and ice-cream for dessert. Flo very kindly made us a couple of pavlovas as well, thanks so much. Some of us had bubbly, wine, or soft drink to sip, whatever took our fancy – what did we care when the rain came down once again in the evening. We were well fed and happy, and those dratted musical Santas kept right on singing Christmas songs until they were finally silenced!
It’s a big family, two long tables full
Val provided our after dinner entertainment with a couple of Christmas poems, delivered in her entertaining style. Thanks Val, very nicely done indeed.
Val reading poems
Owen made quite a habit of climbing under our van during the weekend. This was the second time on Sunday morning, but we can’t really complain as he was being very helpful in checking our tyre pressures with his new red pump. Pat drove his orange Ute around to provide the power, and of course this operation needed an audience of interested bystanders. And yes, the tyres did need a little extra air.
Thanks, boys
The club provided Christmas fruit mince pie for Sunday morning tea, we seem to have been eating all weekend! Also on offer were the remaining strawberries and ice-cream, from the night before. Everything got eaten, except for a little ice-cream which no doubt got taken home by someone. It was a great weekend, many thanks to the Committee for all their hard work in organizing his rally. A great rally to finish off our year.
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