The VVF Qld. Branch and sub-branch celebrated with their Christmas party on Wednesday the 8th December at the Leagues Club Drive premises, with all the usual fanfare. A lot of blood sweat and tears went into setting up the large blue and yellow marquee and surrounding smaller marquees, tables, chairs, and the various bins with appropriate signage. This was all done on Tuesday, with a cooperative effort from the Shed members, well done to all who participated. Of course, all that effort was repeated on Thursday to take it all down and pack it away, along with copious cleaning and washing up. The invited guests began arriving around 11 am, and after the required COVID sign-in, they were beguiled by our resident ticket selling guru “Yowie” into buying raffle tickets for the Christmas raffle.
The guests were welcomed by Peter Handy, President of the Qld. Branch, and after the blessing by Padre Gary Stone, Andy Bryson, President of the sub-branch, thanked the many sponsors and supporters of the Men’s Shed for their valued contribution to the shed operations. Peter Cameron then conducted the drawing of the Christmas raffle, which this year consisted of 75 prizes, many of which were valued at over $100.00. The funds raised go towards the continuing support of our veterans and members.
A fabulous luncheon was then served, consisting of a selection of meats, salads, some tasty prawns from the trawlers at the Spit Main Beach, and all followed by Christmas pudding, custard, and ice cream. Needless to say, no one went home hungry. Just as the lunch was coming to an end, the heavens opened up, having been threatening all morning, and the proceedings were thoroughly soaked with about 30mm of heavy rain. Not a great way to end the day, but everyone seemed to take it in good spirit, with lots of laughter as they made their way to their cars with helpful members carrying umbrellas. And so the year closes, with Qld. Branch finishing on Thursday 9 December, and the Men’s Shed going into caretaker mode, but remaining open for bill paying and maintenance programs.
