Field Dining Nights 2002

FIELD DINING NIGHTS 2002.

There were two dining nights in 2002.
The first was on 20th July and the second on 2nd September.

MIXED THEME DINING NIGHT—JIMBOOMBA
Saturday 20th July 2002
By Val Fisk,

Once again Barry and Pam Wright showed their generosity by making available the R&R section of their property for use as the venue for the winter bush camp and Dining In night. As usual the preparations for this occasion helped with the success of the weekend. Our thanks go to Pam and Barry, and the usual small band of hard workers. Over the past 6 months many improvements have been made to the area, thanks to the donation of various items which, with Barry’s help and ideas, have been put to good use especially within the kitchen area.
We realise that this occasion is used as a bonding of old comrades who need a little more time than is available on ANZAC day—too many people to get around to talk to then. The evenings roll up was 40. Some stayed and camped on the Saturday night and others who had Sunday morning commitments left on the Saturday night.
Some guests started arriving as early as morning tea on the Saturday. Pam was waiting there with the usual refreshments and a cuddle to greet guests. Some had travelled a great distance to attend. From the north coast were Pam and Ron Strand—from Esk Norm and Joan Mundy—and from down past the Mexican border around Wagga Wagga was Bruce Inch. Ann and Greg Shaw came in from the far West carefully carrying a carton of Roma’s best Port to be donated and drunk for the occasion. Thank you Greg, also thanks to Ann who was a very good working foreperson for the Sunday morning tasks.
On the Saturday afternoon, guests rallied to prepare the dining tables and surrounds. This is always a great team effort with absolutely everybody present doing their share towards the evening’s event.
Even ‘Cindy’, Joe and Val’s dog kept an eye on Chef Murray in the kitchen with the hope that it would bear fruit ( or a bone or two) later on after the meal had been completed.
By 1900 hours all guests had organised their camps, enjoyed a hot shower on site and dressed ready to partake in the nibbles, pre-dinner sherry and the warmth of the pot bellied stoves. John McGrath was welcomed as a new member to the Association. After guests were called to the Mess, via a bugle call, the traditional flags were piped in.
The tables looked splendid with silver candelabras, cutlery, shining wine glasses, vases of flowers and a dark red rose for each lady, all laid out on a spotless white tablecloth.
Our Chef, Murray, prepared a delicious meal with the men looking after the ladies during the evening.
As a guest speaker, Bob Collins related to us his and his daughter Emma's experiences on ANZAC Day in Gallipoli, and of their tour of the European battlefields This was a very moving section of the dinner.
During the evening "Snappy Tom" was on his usual endless prowl capturing the evening on film. Thanks Tom.
After the passing of the Port, coffee was available before fronting the bonfire. We all remember those big bonfires we used to look forward to on the 5th November each year.
As the night wore on, guests started to make their way home whilst campers, who did not have to Ddrive, mostly decided to have one for the road. During the night we all had to take those little walks. The glow from the various fires led us to the appropriate lik lik haus, and the warmth from those pot belly fires helped with the cold. Boy! Was it cold!!.
Sunday morning the real work started. Unfortunately, or maybe not so, I slept in till almost 0900 hours, even though my 'Cindy' 4 legged alarm clock had washed my face several times. Everyone seemed to be either cooking or eating their breakfasts. What a perfect morning to wake up to with the smell of bacon and toast. I am afraid that I will not be able to pull that stunt next time.
By the time I did rise, the boys had everything in hand, and I don't think there was a hangover in the place. Gee its nice to know men still remember how to wash dishes and safely operate a tea towel. Many thanks to all for letting me sleep in that morning. YES! Ann Shaw, as I said earlier, you are a good student and foreperson material.
By 1200 hours all the tarps were down, chairs packed up and nearly everyone on the road heading home.
Just a little reminder to mark in your diary Saturday 23rd November 2002 for our Christmas Bush Bash at the same place with chrissiedecs and all. Remember it doesn’t get cold at 1700 hours in November. We will be calling for volunteers to play Santa—What say you Bob Collins or Greg Shaw?
(Function report from a female perspective—Val)