Christmas Party 2024
8 December
It was a wonderful way to celebrate another great year with the Canberra Torana Club. The annual Christmas Party at Black Mountain Peninsula.
After a week of Singapore-style humidity, clear skis and a breeze were a welcome relief for a beautiful day for an outdoor Christmas party under the trees by Lake Burley Griffin.
A pesky morning triathlon saw an early start for Chris B and Chris M to get the club trailer into place before the roads were closed down between 7am and 11am. Full credit to El Presidente Chris M who not only got down there early but stayed for 5 hours by himself (with a book) to ensure we had prime position for the day.
Once people started to arrive it was a great turnout. With more than 50 members, family and friends in attendance for the customary banter, food, raffles, awards and a little more banter.
On the awards front, the coveted Paul Harrison trophy for club person of the year was awarded this year to Chris B for his work as run coordinator, backup webmaster and his all around organisational/cat herding skills. Keeping it in the family Sandra Bennett was also awarded an honorary membership as a Torana legend.
The raffles were wide open without Craig B in attendance and there was a wide variety of prizes donated by local businesses raffled off. There was a huge range of winners with significant competition arising for the winner of ‘the mop’ (you probably had to be there) which was taken away by Jason G. A big thanks to Herbie, Steve and Helen, Jason G, Grant and Paul E for their work on getting great prizes together or donating them.
A huge thanks to the committee and all the helpers for putting the day on, setting up, packing up and just generally contributing to a great day. Particular mention to Pete S for his tong-master skills, Steve and Helen for their post event cleaning of the ‘fine china’ and silverware and to everyone who contributed their favourite snacks, salads or sweets for the feast.
With more than 50 people there I am sure I will miss some attendees, if so I apologise, but here is the best list we could compile.
- Chris and Carol M, Cohan, Cacie and Mason
- Sandra
- Paul and Kylie E
- Chris B
- Rob and Amanda
- Brett and Leanne
- Jason G
- Steve and Carley F and the kids
- Sharon and Tulio
- Helen and Steve
- Peter, Linda and Simon S and Simon’s daughter
- Danny B and Bailey
- Danny T
- Mark and Nic R
- Rob and Dale P and Lee and Debbie
- Joe and Leanne C and young adults
- Mark and Michelle J
- Curtis and Shannon
- Herbie and Cheryl and Wade from Autobahn Tuggeranong
- Grant W
- Brad and Donnah (plus 4 legged friend)
- Paul and Pam H
- Tony and Jenn M