CENTRAL COAST, NSW

October – November, 2011

It was an early start for 7 ambassadors on Thursday, 27^th October, meeting up at the Tullamarine Airport. We flew to Sydney at 7.10 a.m. After arriving at Sydney Airport we caught the train to Central Station, where we caught up with the other four ambassadors who arrived by overnight train from Melbourne.

We proceeded onto the Newcastle train to exit halfway to Newcastle at Gosford. It was a beautiful journey through the mountains, particularly so as we were getting closer to Gosford. It took just over 1 hour.

At Gosford we were met by Marjorie Hines (the Central Coast ED) who was accompanied by several of the hosts. We were taken by car to a lovely park where we were presented with a beautiful picnic lunch. After lunch we went home with our allocated hosts – unfortunately some of us had to be juggled around for several days due to illness and hosts not yet arriving back home from their overseas ventures. But eventually it was all sorted out – I think.

The next days we enjoyed a ferry cruise originating in Woy Woy, famous for being the hometown of the once well known comedian, Spike Milligan, whose mother lived in Woy Woy for a very long time. We had a very nice waterside lunch of fish and chips, of which the pelicans tried to get their unfair share. Kendall Cottage was next on the agenda, which was very interesting because of its history and contents of old wares; it even included an old printing press. Next we visited a Winery, specializing in Fruit and Flower Wines. This was very interesting in that wines can be made of these ingredients instead of grapes. Pub dinner was of the order. Next day a photo gallery of mainly Australian Landscapes was visited, with scones and cream for morning tea.

Ferry trip	Picnic

We spent a day in Newcastle, visiting (read walking) down the Shipwreck pier/coast. The shipwrecks that stranded on this sand bank were actually incorporated in the structure of this pier, which was put on top of the wrecks/sandbar.

         
Melbourne Cup was celebrated differently for several groups, some people going to clubs or having just a quiet day at the homes of their hosts.

         
Before we were presented with a lovely Farewell Lunch at the home of Ann & Neil Coggan we went to a cooking demonstration using Bush Taste ingredients. Ann and Neil Coggan have a fly wire enclosed back veranda, with a beautiful forest setting, stretching into a nature reserve at the back of their house, incorporating a creek. There were many, many beautiful birds too.

Peter, Elly, Alice, Joe and Arthur	Anne and Neil's Garden	Dressing Up!

I think we all had an enjoyable time being at the Central Coast – most of us had been near this area, passing through on various journeys, but had not actually connected with the local nature reserves and waterways.

         
Thank you to all who gave me support on my first time of being ED and for your kind gift, which I very much appreciate.

In Friendship

Eleonora Jongejan,

ED NSW Central Coast Exchange

LETHBRIDGE, CANADA, EASTERN WASHINGTON-NORTHERN IDAHO AND SEATTLE, USA

August 2010

The Lethbridge exchange was well organized by Beth and Stan who planned a full week of activities for us. Lethbridge is in Prairie country with rolling hills, canola and corn farms and hundred of wind farms.  We all found the visit to the Hutterite farming colony extremely interesting.  They are a religious group who believe in communal living.  All colony members are provided for equally and nothing is kept for personal gain.  We toured the kitchen, milking shed, chicken slaughtering house, school and pre-school, laundry and food preserving buildings.

Athabasca Glacier	Horsing around at Calgary

At “Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump” we went on a tour and learnt about the first nation Indians.  We also visited the Prairie tractor, Remington Carriage and Kootenai Brown Museums, as well as a buffalo farm, birds of prey and Stan’s country retreat full of collectables!!!  This was the highlight for Anita, not the collectables, but coming face to face with a wild bear!

At Lethbridge Council Chambers	Lethbridge Farewell

Three cars then drove the ten of us to East Glacial Lodge, where we relaxed for two days before continuing on to Spokane in Washington State, USA.  Spokane was a little more relaxed, but with miles of driving.  Our welcome party was way out in the country.  Near to the Columbia River, we saw lots of deer, but no bears!  We also took a 43 mile Jet Boat ride on the Snake River and the Melbournians took over the dance floor at the Senior Activity Centre’s dinner dance.

Group st Snake River	Friendship Bridge

Our bus ride from Spokane to Seattle was full of contrasts.  It started out nice and sunny and ended with rain and a temperature of 12ºC.  From desert and salt bush we arrived to beautiful snow clad mountains, forests of fir trees, gushing streams and winding roads. Seattle is a lovely city and we enjoyed our city walk, the “Duck” ride in an amphibious vehicle and a ferry ride to Puget Sound.  We participated in a welcome, farewell and a pot luck dinner.  After four weeks of traveling we returned home to Melbourne.

Hosts and Ambassadors with the Victorian Flag

Thanks to my group, who all contributed to a stress free exchange.

Jan Felstead, Exchange Director

BUNDABERG, QUEENSLAND

September 2009

Thirteen of our members arrived in Bundaberg by plane, train and caravan on 4th September to enjoy a wonderful week wherein we got to know Bundaberg and some of its population very well.

Our Exchange started with a welcome dinner in the community centre of a retirement village in which two of the Bundy members lived. Some friendships from Melbourne 2007 were renewed, and new ones were formed. The next day we were taken to a pottery, art and woodwork centre where locals were busy at their crafts. After lunch we went on a 3 hour cruise up and down the Burnett River and heard some of the local history. Just prior to our departure there was a tropical downpour which gave new meaning to the word ‘rain’. Then the skies cleared and we enjoyed blue skies and sun again.

Lunch near Burnett River

Sunday was a free day, so four of us went to Lady Elliot Island – a 20 minute flight from Bundy. From the air the island looked rather small, and the runway, which went from one side of the island to the other, looked extremely short. However, we had a safe trip both ways and a great day in between. The highlight for me was snorkeling from the glass-bottom boat – we saw turtles, manta rays and many fish swimming in the coral. Also included was a reef walk, where we could see and touch some interesting sea creatures.

Monday we had an impressive Mayoral reception before visiting the brewed drinks site, where we sampled Bundaberg Ginger Beer and other soft drinks. In the afternoon we went to the Rum factory. This tour included two free drinks and a comprehensive historical display.

Early next morning there was another tropical downpour – 1½ inches in 1½ hours. ‘Rain’ needed to be revised again. Annelies, who was in her caravan, said it was a bit noisy!!

Tuesday we saw through the Meals on Wheels facility and the Salvation Army Centre, where wonderful work is done with youngsters from local schools, and older youth, to help them to realize their self-worth. Also, the garden and the workshops put recycling into practice in a big way.

Salvation Army Grounds, Bundaberg

Wednesday saw us at the Air Museum and the Bert Hinkler (a local early Australian aviator) house. One of his first planes incorporated his mother’s ironing board!!! After lunch at Fairymead House – a huge wooden ‘Queenslander’ with 15 foot ceilings - in the Botanical Gardens, we were entertained with a musical program and sing-a-long.

Thursday there was a bus trip to Childers, where we saw the backpackers’ memorial to the victims of the 2002 fire. This took the form of a photographic and pictorial display in the rebuilt building. It was extremely moving.

Nearby was a Mango and Barramundi farm, where we had a BBQ lunch and then a talk from the owner. This man was amazing. He already produces sugar cane, fruit and vegetables, as well as farming live fish for the Brisbane and Sydney markets, and now there is a restaurant in the pipeline. We had our farewell here, with the Melbourne ambassadors doing an adaptation of Home Sweet Home.

As you can see, it was a very full week, and we learnt a lot about the town and its surrounds, as well as having a great time with the members of the Bundaberg Friendship Force. Many thanks to Mary Wallace-Smith, and Norma Bates and Janette Kelly, for directing this successful exchange. Margaret Lawlor (Joint ED)

oooOooo

RHEINHESSEN AND HAMBURG, GERMANY

May - June 2009

Eighteen Ambassadors from the Melbourne club have now returned from their 2009 European experience which included the two very busy and varied exchanges in Rheinhessen and Hamburg, Germany.

Ambassadors made their own arrangements to Europe to take advantage of private opportunities which included tours in Italy, visits to Berlin and other parts of Germany and catching up with family in Ireland. The ambassadors then met up at Frankfurt airport on Tuesday 26th May to commence our first exchange.

We were greeted by our Rheinhessen hosts at Frankfurt airport and taken to their homes which were scattered around the Rheinhessen area in such places as Alzey, Albig, Mainz, Erbes-Budesheim, Klein-Wintemheim, and Frankenthal. The Exchange Director and President of the Rheinhessen club had organized a wonderful week of activities.

On Wednesday we had a reception with the Deputy Mayor of Alzey at the council owned winery in Alzey and included our first taste of some local German wine. This was followed by a comprehensive tour of historical Alzey and in the evening by a friendly welcome party which of course included tasting of more local wines.

EDs meet Alzey Deputy Mayor	Melbourne members at Rheinhessen welcome

On Thursday we visited Heidelberg. This was a busy day and included a tour of the famous Castle. Of particular interest were the student prison at the old university and the historical Roman Bridge.

On Friday we had a tour of the Rhine River city of Mainz. This included interesting visits to the Gutenberg Printing Museum where Gutenberg bibles were on display, the ancient Romanesque cathedral and the Museum of Antique Boats where Roman river craft have been recovered from the muddy shore-line of the ancient Rhine River.

A highlight of the exchange was our Saturday bus trip to Rothenburg. This beautiful ancient walled city is full of historical interest with walls and towers, narrow cobblestone streets, famous Christmas shops and museums and a single day was insufficient to cover all features of interest. It was a long weekend and celebrations were being held and entertainment put on by locals dressed in medieval outfits added to the atmosphere of the whole place.

Sunday was a free day with hosts and train rides to the nearby hills, forest walks, visits to lakes and big lunches seemed to be popular activities.

Monday was the much awaited cruise down the Rhine River from Bingen to St Goar, stopping for an hour at Bacharach on the way. Weather was perfect and the scenery excellent.  Castles were perched high on the cliffs above the river and beautiful little villages were dotted along the shore with the little church spires poking up above the cottages.  Vineyards covered the steep slopes and were lush and green. We spent some time exploring St Goar and its castle before returning to Bingen.

On Tuesday 2nd June we were up early for the trip to Mainz to catch our transfer train to Hamburg. We had chosen the “slow” train as this followed the picturesque Rhine to Cologne and then passed through lush German countryside. It was a relaxing trip and allowed us to get our breaths prior to the next exchange. Our reception at Hamburg main station and the welcome reception were wonderful and augured well for the exchange to come over the next week.

Somewhere between Rheinhessen and Hamburg!	Melbourne members at Hamburg welcome.

On Wednesday we visited the ancient Hanseatic town of Luebeck near the Baltic Sea. The cityscape of Luebeck is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. The water surrounded Old Town has about 1800 listed buildings, historical alleyways and criss-crossing laneways. Many later visited Travemunde on the Baltic for a late afternoon cup of coffee or ice cream.

On Thursday we went to Ahrensburg to see the largest printing factory in Europe where many newspapers and magazines are printed. After a lovely lunch at the Axel Springer Printers we visited and had a guided tour a beautiful castle in Ahrensburg.

Some Hosts and Ambassadors at Travemunde.	At Axel Springer Printing Works

On Friday we toured Hamburg City, seeing the copper plates at St Michaelis Church, the famous widow’s houses, cruising on the river to see the massive container port area and in the afternoon a sight-seeing open top bus tour.

Hosts and Ambassadors in Hamburg.

As many of the hosts worked during the week the weekend days were left as free days for hosts and ambassadors to socialize and interact. Various activities that members did included visiting old villages away from Hamburg, visiting the newly opened Beatlemania museum, boat trips around the canals and lakes of Hamburg, and visiting the famous Hamburg fish market. In addition many ambassadors and their hosts visited Miniature Wonderland which was absolutely amazing and very detailed.  On Sunday night a number of hosts and ambassadors attended a wonderful classical concert in one of Hamburg’s famous music houses.

On Monday we visited the Holsten brewery, now owned by Carlsberg, and sampled the beer and at night enjoyed a wonderful farewell dinner where live music accompanied a tasty three-course meal.

On Tuesday 9th June ambassadors said their farewells to their hosts and returned directly to Melbourne or departed on the next stage of their European adventures. These included a group going together on a tour of Turkey, tours of Spain and Portugal, tours of Switzerland, visiting family in Ireland, catching up with family and tracing family history in Germany, and meeting FF friends in Hungary.

The Melbourne Club congratulates the two clubs, for their hospitality, friendship and particularly the Presidents and Exchange Directors for their hard work in making these exchanges so special. All Ambassadors enjoyed the two exchanges to these beautiful parts of Europe and some friendships were renewed and many new friendships formed.

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 CAUSEWAY COAST AND LEICESTER

3 – 16 September 2008

The Causeway Coast and Leicester Exchange was run jointly by Melbourne (ED Jan Stevens - 6 Ambassadors) and Salisbury (ED Glenys Szarmanski – 9 Ambassadors). All ambassadors met in Dublin on 2nd September and travelled by bus to Causeway Coast the next morning. We were taken via Newry where the early settlers of Gawler S.A. came from. Lunch was at Harry Ramsdens noted for the best fish and chips. We had a short tour of Belfast and saw where the Titanic was built and then went to Coleraine where we were met by our hosts and had a “Welcome Salad Tea”. The program included a visit to the awe-inspiring World Heritage Giants Causeway, the Salmon Station at Bushmills, the Walled City of Londonderry, a bus trip along the Antrim Coast including a visit to the Wellbrook Beetling Mill (water-powered mill used in the manufacture of linen) and SpringHall House for a costume drama.

Melbourne ambassadors at Giant’s Causeway

Wednesday 10th September we travelled by bus to Belfast Airport and flew to Birmingham where we were met by the Leicestershire Club. The program included a tour of old Leicester and historic sites and a ‘ploughman’s lunch’ at an old pub. A member of the Leicestershire Club had arranged for Glenys and I to be interviewed with her on BBC Leicester. We went to 13th century Donnington le Heath Manor, Bosworth Heritage Centre (where Henry and Richard had their last battle), Rutland Park and Oakham Castle, Foxton Locks and Rockingham Castle. We also played skittles at a pub and had a beetle drive with a fish and chip supper, both fun nights.

Hosts and ambassadors in Leicester.

Both exchanges included many private excursions by individuals with their hosts. All hosts were most welcoming and they made sure that everyone had a wonderful exchange. We enjoyed wonderful scenery, terrific historic sites and fabulous food at a variety of venues.  Jan Stevens, Exchange Director – Melbourne


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