The first leg of our trip took us up the Pacific Motorway onto the Gateway Motorway and then onto the Bruce Highway.  Mossy decided that he would bring up the rear of the group of Vettes, but somehow had problems at the on ramp at Loganholme.  Luckily Ken and Marina set a steady pace at the front and Mossy was able to catch up just as we reached our first stopping point at the BP Burpengary.  Someone asked Mossy what speed was he doing to catch up and he stated that he was doing just under the speed limit the whole way.

After another quick drink (coffee or similar) we met up with the northsiders and departed towards Beerwah for lunch, which was just a quick drive up the highway and then onto Steve Irwin Way.  (Mental note, very happy we didn’t decide to stop at the Australia Zoo, very busy lots of kids, Bindi’s birthday; well at least the crocks will be licking their lips, if they had lips!).

Upon arrival at Beerwah Hotel, we found that there was plenty of parking and after an initial attempt to gain entry to the hotel (the doors were locked at 11.30am) we finally got into the dining area.  The dining room manager (Leigh) had arranged for a special area put aside for the club (because we’re special!!!) and after ordering our lunch off the expansive menu, we decided to sit down.  Unfortunately, the table could not be made long enough so we extended it into an L shaped table and then into a hollow square.  I think some people were wondering what we were doing, but it worked out to be just fine and this way we could all chat to one another right hey Barb?

Upon finishing lunch we proceeded to Montville and parked our cars under the Mayfair apartments, we booked in and then made arrangement to have pre dinner drinks and snacks in apartment 10 which was occupied by Ken, Marina, Carolee and Geoff (no - no Bob Carol Ted and Alice here just that this room had two separate bedrooms and a extra large lounge for games and drinks!)  In the meantime some people decided to go do some shopping at the local eclectic shops which are available in Montville.

The Miller’s advised us all to ensure we check rooms upon entry as they found that they had a stiletto heal hole in the spa bath, now how did that get there?

Secretly we found out that the Turner’s and Kelly’s are into swapping but, this time it was only their rooms.  (Another mental note, don’t let Pete have access to your bedrooms, he either likes to leave rubbish in your beds or, he is into something kind of kinky and I have my suspicions about him.  Our clothes were found in all different locations throughout the unit, and Marina says hers may have been worn???)

After copious amounts of alcohol we all departed to our own rooms and changed into our costumes, 1920’s theme, and met out the front of the Mayfield Apartments at 6:30pm for a quick photo opportunity and then off to dinner at the Manor Inn directly across the road.

After walking through the front doors we were greeted by thunderous applause from other dining quests, and for one small moment in Montville history we were the talk of the town.  All of the costumes were colourful and out there!  It was a delight to see the effort that was taken to enter into the spirit of the night.  Special mention should be made to Brad (best male costume) and Kay (best female costume) although the Godfather (Keith) did ask Kay later in the night what it was like to be best hoe on the night, with her quick wit she replied (it’s better to be the best hoe on the night than to be the worst hoe) nice Keith.

The meal was delicious, first they brought out the appetiser, and we either had a choice of Calamari or Pumpkin soup.  This was the largest appetiser I have seen in a long time, I had the Calamari and it was three times the size of a normal appetiser and could have passed for a main meal.  Pete and several others had the soup and the way Pete was consuming his it must have been superb. I could see not one soup plate going back with a skerrick of food still on the plate.  The main meal was a traditional Xmas dinner and had ham and turkey with vegies, cranberries and all the dressings associated with Xmas, again the meal was extraordinarily large and was certainly value for money.  At this point our commiserations go out to the Webro’s sorry you missed out of this meal which only cost $45.00 each, we thought about having a place set for you, but then we would have to send you a bill. Maybe we could do a Valentine Day run there next year as they serve Valentine dinners out in the gardens lit with fairy lights galore?

Next on the agenda was the arrival of Santa (Geoff) and his elf helper (Pete). The traditional giving of gifts from Santa was in acted and from the photo’s Santa, recipient and the elf had a great time.  It was funny the next day when walking through the shops at Montville, Pete got stopped by several people and they asked: "Hey aren’t you the bloke that played the part of the Elf at the dinner last night?"   Good to see Pete left an impression upon so many young minds, probably in therapy by now!!!  Got to love Pete in tight red satin!

After the gifts along came the dessert, there was a choice of Pavlova or traditional Xmas pudding.  I was so full I could hardly eat any more and had to leave some on the plate. Now the chance for some photo shots of all the girls, then the boys, and couples.

Our congratulations go out to the owners of the Manor Inn for such a wonderful meal presented by great staff and in such a warm atmosphere.

After rum balls mulled wine, hot chocolates, coffee of choice and tea we decided to go back to room 10 for more drinking and charades, I believe it was girls v boys.  The girls started off like a house on fire and probably guessed the first ½ dozen charades. The boys began slowly but soon got into the contest and fought back, but alas we concede that the girls probably won the charade contest.  Although we were handicapped, there were fewer boys than girls. (Another mental note: ensure explanation is given to Glen when next we play charades)  Glen was finally talked into doing a charade, now we all know that charades have three categories: MOVIE, SONG or THING and written on the palm card is the category and then under this is the name of the item you have to act out.  Ensure you do not place your thumb over the item you must act out.

Picture this, Glen is standing in front of us acting out the word THING, he slaps his hands together and we all say (Thing) and he says (Yes) and we say ok what’s next, and a blank looks appears on Glen’s face.  So he slaps his hands together again and we say (Thing) and he says (Yes) and again we say what next, once again the blank look appears on his face.  This happens several more times until the penny drops and we realise what Glen is doing. His thumb covered the word he was to act out!

I think I laughed so much I had tears in my eyes and my stomach still aches.

The next day we arranged to have breakfast at the restaurant at the front of the apartments and it was quite first-class, I had the big breakfast and it certainly hit the spot.  We checked out before 10am and it was left to each couple to decide what they wanted to do for the remainder of the day.

In wrapping up, it was a wondrous day and night had by all, and I for one will certainly look forward to the next Xmas in July.

Ken & Marina

Congratulations to Ken & Marina for organising and hosting a great club weekend.  Special thanks to the members who supported this run and were rewarded with a fantastic experience.