On Tuesday, 5th December, we concluded the year with our now traditional Christmas break up at Eltham Central Pavilion.
The evening started with nibbles and drinks at 5.30pm. With the weather being kind, we were able mingle on the veranda before sitting down to dinner.
The main meal was provided by Spitting Image, who provided a variety of good quality food and plenty of it. Thanks to the staff, who were both professional and helpful.
Our raffle in aid of Diamond Valley Community Support netted around $600. Thank you to everyone who bought tickets.
Our U3A choir, led by Lindsay Byrne, provided the entertainment after the main meal and many of us joined in by singing some well-known Xmas carols.
Rob Glanvill acted as MC and kept the evening moving and on schedule.
Dianne Parslow thanked all our volunteers and tutors for all their hard work during the year.
We finished the night with an array of desserts and tea or coffee.
Thanks to the Eltham Cricket club for manning the bar.
The raffle prizes were donated by both U3A members and local businesses. The U3A members included Dawn Mack, Jan Simmonds, Joan Denison, Linda Grigg and Terry Ball. The businesses included: Bottlemart, Lower Plenty; Common Cents, Montmorency; Dan Murphys, Eltham; Echo Balloons, Montmorency; Foodworks, Montmorency; Gourmet Butchers, Montmorency; Imajpak, Campbellfield; Kim Kim Bakehouse, LowerPlenty; Lower Plenty Hotel; Pamper Mi Beauty Montmorency; Pattysmiths, Eltham; Scaffidi Hair Salon, Lower Plenty; and Shane McVeigh.
Finally, this event could not have been a success without the help and efforts of many volunteers. Thanks to Alison Pieper, Carmen Breust, Carol Seymour, Gary Seymour, Hector Hart, James Redrup, Jane Hammett, Laraine Hussey, Judy Vizzari, Julie Smith, Karen Redrup, Karenne Lack, Maree Papworth, Marianne Peterson, Rob Glanvill, Robert Lamb, Ruth Goddard, Sandra Walls, Sue Bailey, Sue Brenkovich. Apologises to anyone whose name we have missed.
[Editor: and a huge thank you to Carole Meade, who organised everything and made it happen.]