Commonwealth Club of the Riviera

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Report Back: 

AUSTRALIA DAY Saturday 24th January 2004

THE SKY WAS DULL AND GREY BUT the party was bright and gay. "Santa Christa" the beautiful villa belonging to our gracious host Bruce Pulling was decked out with festive balloons and the odd boomerang to signify the Aussie Connection. Wayne and his band, the Boogiemen, made sweet music while more than 80 members and friends of the Commonwealth Club and Aussies On The Riviera spent a great fun filled afternoon celebrating Australia Day. 

First Lady Michele Sullivan and her team of helpers had ensured plenty of good food including a barbeque of home made sausages and tasty chicken drumsticks with plenty of salads and dessert all washed down with aussie beer and wine. There were many other attractions including a raffle with so many prizes (some arriving straight from the airport on Saturday morning from Australia thanks to the Aussie club's Simon Harvey and Nick Laletin) that it ran on and on, a wine tasting competition run by Jane Nolan, a selection of the best "Aussie Look" couple, ably handled by our Treasurer Finella Tennant and Auditor Tom and a flag draw of Commonwealth Flags (on the name badges worn by everybody present - thanks to Mike Clarke) which apart from the prizes offered also helped us all to recognize the 54 flags of the countries of the Commonwealth. 

Smooth talking Roger Nolan, the House MC set the ball rolling and after the "traditional" welcome words from Geoff Treloar, President of the Commonwealth Club and Nick Laletin El Presidente of the Aussie Club, it was an emotional and sobering moment when Jill Pirdas introduced Jeanne Bernon. Madame Bernon movingly explained her connection with the Australian Soldiers who gave their lives in the defence of France during World War I. She then donated valuable photos to the Aussie Club President. All those present appreciated this generous gesture which emphasised the historical ties between France and Australia. 

The high point of the afternoon came as Secretary George Kasiliyake introduced the guest speaker, "Lord Ted" Dexter the former England Cricket Captain who held everyone’s interest reminiscing about his long and illustrious career. His best innings however is 44 not out, that's how long he has been married to his charming wife, Susan!!

The entire Club worked as a team. The Front Desk was ably manned by two formidable ladies Robin Avillach and Kate Foster (Kate, by the way in addition to being the Editor of the best Club Newsletter on the Riviera, also showed one of her many hidden talents as a path finder making sure that no one got lost on the way to the party with colored balloons hanging from every possible vantage point along the way!) Lindy Dean proved to be the best Raffle Ticket Seller on the Riviera with a record sale while even the media people present joined in to give a hand, with Wendy Wilson of AngloINFO fame doing a great job as a Bar Tender for a good part of the afternoon! 

All things considered, We of the Commonwealth Club Of The Riviera are happy to have concluded another successful event. Watch this space for news on our future events!! 

The Commonwealth Club and Aussies-on-the-Riviera celebrate Australia Day
24 January 2004