Getaway to Daylesford - May 2012

On Tuesday 1^st May eleven members headed to Dayleford for a getaway and get-together with other members. On arrival and check in at the Cental Springs Inn a number of us enjoyed the sunshine with coffee and cake in the garden of the Inn. Later, as it became colder some visited the Botanical Gardens and others hiked through the gardens to the Wombat Hill lookout. At five we meet in room 12 (thanks, Barbara, Heather and Mary) and started the “formal” proceedings –cocktails, wine, dips and nuts and of course lots of FF stories. This was to become the agenda for the next few afternoons. We then went to the Farmers Arms Hotel, the oldest in Daylesford and enjoyed more food, wine and chatter.

On Wednesday we met around 9:30 am and went to Daylesford Lake for walking, and general site seeing before heading to the Convent Gallery for a snack and more chatter. We were also joined here and later in the day by five additional members to take our total to 16. After lunch we headed in separate groups to various places such as Trentham Falls, the Lost Children Monument and the shops in Daylesford. After Happy Hour we went to Rubens in Hepburn Springs for more food, wine and chatter.

On Thursday we visited Hepburn Springs (damaged by floods in 2010 and 2011) and then to Castlemaine for lunch. The weather deteriorated but we visited the art gallery, museum, Buda Historic House, the Old Gaol and Botanical Gardens. Many visited the Chocolate Mill and Mount Franklin on the way back to Daylesford for Happy Hour and the Bowling Club for dinner.

On Friday nine had breakfast at Cliffy's, a fascinating old grocery store. After breakfast we made our separate ways back to Melbourne after a great few days. Thanks Heather.

At Lake Daylesford	At Hepburn Springs

 Happy Hour!

In the end there were only 7 tourists: Heather, Jan S, Mary, Nola, Marianne, Barbara and Nina.

We arrived in Hurstbridge at 12 and changed our lunch booking till 1.00 as we decided to walk around the Hurstbridge monthly Farmers’ Market first. It closes at 1.00.  Lovely spot. A few purchases such as special oil, cheese and corn were purchased.

Lunch at the Post Cafe was great. We had a table just outside near a pretty water feature.  There was a lot of happy chatting about past travel adventures.

We caught the 2.40 train home - happy and relaxed after a fun day.

Australia Day 2012

About 40 members had a great day on the 26th at Anita and Joe's home. The weather was great and we had a lot of fun and food including meat pies and lamingtons.

Christmas Party 2011

More than thirty members enjoyed a fun night at the Veneto Club on 16th December. There was a lot of talking, lovely food and some interesting games played.

Tarrawarra/Yarrawood

Thirteen members and two visitors started the day at the Tarrawarra Gallery near Healesville where the Archibald Prize finalists were on display. All enjoyed this exhibition and the various entries were the centre of discussion at the enjoyable lunch and wine sipping at the Yarrawood Winery. The weather was perfect and the views of the Yarra Valley very picturesque.

Lunch at Yarrawood	Yarrawood View

 
Murder Mysteries Parties

Sixteen members, all dressed in their toga's, time-travelled to a Roman Dinner Party, where unfortunately they discovered that their Host had been murdered, and that each of them had to prove their own innocence, or be fed to the lions!!!!

After everyone was admired for the style they wore their sheets -oops sorry - toga’s, everyone settled down to much laughter and insults, punctuated by good food and wine.

Because of the number of people interested in attending, two parties were held on consecutive nights. The characters were the same but the different players produced two totally different parties. Much fun was had by all.

Special thanks to Jan Felstead for hosting both parties and to Heather and Barbara who helped in the kitchen.

Romans on Friday Night	And on Saturday!
Mercedes Accelleratti (and host)	Harangus Adnauseum and Rotunda Immaculta

Sunday Soup and Sandwich Lunch
Thanks to our four hosts on 10th July 35 members enjoyed a snack lunch of soup and sandwiches and lots of friendship.

 

Sunday Brunch
Functions were held at three locations and those participating had a great day.

Visit to Conference Centre at Bell City

A number of members visited Bell City, the venue for the 2012 Australian Conference. A number stayed and had an enjoyable snack lunch. Some booked accommodation for the Conference weekend.

Cheap and Cheery Sunday

A number of members visited the city and bay.

Visitors from Tamworth and Wisconsin

Three members from Tamworth and one from Wisconsin had a week in Melbourne to rplace the cancelled exchange from Dallas.  number of functions and outings were held.

Australia Day 2011

A large number of members and some visitors had a great day at Anita and Joe’s.

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