What better way to spend a cold winter’s day than to hop on a coach with friends from Pakenham East Probus?
Fifty-five members journeyed up through the misty rolling hills of Noojee for a Christmas in July celebration at the Outpost Restaurant.
A welcome cuppa in the rustic surrounds of the adjacent Toolshed put everyone’s mood into a festive mode.
Relaxing among the display of historic photos, tools of a bygone logging era and warmth from the huge open fireplace was so inviting that the visitors found it difficult to move on for their Christmas lunch.
The restaurant had been given a Christmas transformation complete with a decorated tree, strands of twinkling lights across the ceiling, a fireplace with stockings and tables set for a Christmas meal.
Members remarked that they even suspected an incognito Father Christmas had taken the time to make an appearance.
Host John Snelling and his most obliging staff made sure that refreshments were quickly dispensed and that the visitors were all seated and ready to be served with a generous plate of roast meats and vegetables.
Plum pudding with custard and cream accompaniments finished the meal and fully satisfied the appetites.
Attention turned from eating to entertainment prepared and presented by outings extraordinaire Laurie Hudgson who set about selecting victims for his production of Cinderella.
With a little persuasion and the aid of a few props, Barry Hoghton, Lindsay Board and Barry Hodge were transformed into the ugly step-sisters, Carol Porter as the magical fairy god-mother, Joan Vogels as the beguiling Cinderella and Roel Knaap as her dashing Prince Charming.
What followed was an uproarious performance that very loosely followed the old-time favourite fairy tale.
The production was well scripted but the actors struggled to maintain their composure which, of course, made the skit even funnier.
It ended well with the Prince getting his girl and the audience was left with aching jaws from so much laughter.
Laurie’s stand-in, Kevin Mayo, was responsible for all of the behind-the-scenes organisation and members appreciated his efforts.
Lucky tickets rewarded many members with a box of chocolates making a very sweet finish to a wonderful day of fun and friendship.
Members extended a huge thank-you to David and Michelle Peterson for their hospitality. They went above and beyond to ensure that the visitors’ Christmas in July was an occasion to be remembered.
