25th Anniversary Celebrations Report

WOW!!! WHAT A WEEKEND!!!

The weekend started for the organizing committee, at 9am at Ironbark Park to get set up and ready to organize the crowds expected at 12 noon.

Everyone had their jobs to do and did them well and with enthusiasm. The whole weekend ran smoothly thanks to the committee and the hoard of willing helpers. Approximately 95 people with caravans, campers and tents arrived during the afternoon on Friday. Marquees, tents and tarps were erected and committee members and volunteers manned a special tent all weekend.

Friday night saw many past and present club members come together for a chat and a few drinks. Gordon and Lorraine agreed to once again put on their ‘trivia pass the parcel’ game, which was well received, although the questions were a bit difficult to answer. Thanks to Gordon and his lovely assistant who cancelled other engagements to come and help out on Friday night.

Almost everyone retired fairly early as Saturday promised to be hectic, but as usual, a few stayers partied on until after midnight.

Saturday morning dawned sunny and clear which was a blessing and the weather stayed kind to us all weekend, although the nights were a bit chilly.
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More campers arrived during the day and were greeted at the gate to sign the register and be given a program of events. Marshals showed the campers where to set up and directed others to day parking areas. Name badges were given out to everyone and merchandise was sold as well as raffle tickets.

On Saturday afternoon, the ladies helped out by cutting up cheese, kabana etc and arranging platters for happy hour. Chairs and tables were arranged around the covered areas and by happy hour 225 people had descended to start the party. The food and drink stretched into two hours. Not many people would have eaten dinner after the happy hour.

During happy hour the official welcome, cutting of the cake and a presentation of plaques and name badges took place. Our three inaugural members and their wives were presented their plaques and special name badges by the club’s first President, Ross Pedley, and the present President, Paul Bishop. They were all delighted and surprised by this special presentation. Jan Scudamore was asked to say a few words and she wished the Ipswich 4 x 4 Club another successful 25 years ahead.

The party then started in earnest as the Ran Tan Bush Band had arrived and the music began. The dance floor was never empty and everyone had a great time line dancing, bush dancing and generally having fun. The raffles were drawn at intervals during the night with all winners very happy. The band played on until 11.30pm and then left their music playing while they packed up. No one seemed keen to stop dancing but the festivities slowly came to an end and everyone returned to their beds by 1am Sunday.

Thanks to all who supported the celebrations by buying and selling raffle tickets, purchasing memorabilia and helping out in any way. There are so many people to thank for making the weekend so successful by giving their help and assistance. You all know who you are so, on behalf of the 25th Anniversary committee, THANK YOU!!!

A special thanks to Barry Garner who was there all weekend and stayed in the memorabilia tent while other jobs were attended to. This helped make our job a litter easier.

This was certainly an anniversary to remember and we hope everyone enjoyed the celebrations.

Thank you for attending whether it was for a whole weekend or just the main day and night on Saturday.

Please don’t forget to pick up your 20-year and 5-year supplement magazines. Some of these were ordered and there are some left for sale. If any other memorabilia items are required, they will be available at the club’s general meetings.

THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE.