We set off early for Imbil where the Chapter Xmas Gathering was due to take place.
There were several motorhomes already there when we arrived and more turned up during the day.
After happy hour, we had a communal barbecue followed by a session of a new game, "Who said that?". The scoring was on the honour system and the prize went to the only team who admitted that they didn't know how many questions they had answered correctly.
Morning smoko lasted until lunchtime. The weather was clear but very hot, 36degC (97degF) and the great fig tree in the middle of the park created a cool place to sit and chat.
The morning was enlivened by Helene who decided to offer hair colouring as a way of adding to the festive atmosphere at the Xmas dinner planned for the evening. We finished up with a number of different effects, Artie's big bushy beard turned blue, Jenny sported a bright red and bright green effect which led to the nickname King Parrot. Jean went blue at the front and pink at the back while I went blue at the back with a pink beard and blue moustache. The townsfolk did look a little puzzled but I guess they are used to strangers like us.
Afternoon tea stretched into happy hour and, as most of us took advantage of the shire horse and cart drive to the pub which required three trips, we set off for dinner early.
Dinner was really very good. The final turnout, including visitors, was sixty four and the three course meal was delivered quickly and still hot. The soup was so good that people were asking for the recipe. The main course was roast turkey, ham, roast vegetables and gravy which all agreed was very good. The dessert was plum pudding with custard. Much beer and wine was consumed and there were many toasts.
After dinner some went to bed but many sat in the moonlight and sang along to a very entertaining piano-accordion performance by Colin Ross from the Suncoasters.
Breakfast was alfresco with most having an indulgent bacon and eggs while some of us had cereal, toast and coffee.
Among our visitors was a couple of new motorhomers who have recently sold their house and taken to the road full time. They had been to a meeting of another chapter but felt a bit left out. They had persevered and chose our chapter meeting for their second attempt. My advice to them was to go to as many different chapter meetings as they could before deciding which to join. By Sunday morning they had made up their mind that our chapter was just right for them and they insisted on joining us which I took to be a compliment to all the members present.
Most people went into town to the Sunday market while some patronised the pub.
As some were planning to leave during the day, we had the raffle at morning smoko. We had purchased a worthwhile prize and many members donated prizes large and small. The profit was worthwhile and, when added to some very generous donations, will help to put the chapter finances in good order.
The afternoon was again hot but the tree saved us and afternoon tea and happy hour were lively and entertaining.
In the evening, we had another communal barbecue followed by very pleasant music to dance to by Tom Leach, our chapter keyboard player.