Port Fairy Rally Report 14th - 17th February 2020 Organisers: Alison and Lawrie Gaylard |
PORT FAIRY - FEBRUARY RALLY REPORT
The first U3A Knox Wanderers Group rally for 2020 was held at Port Fairy with 41 people attending. Unfortunately, 4 people had to pull out for personal and medical reasons. We hope to see The Comport’s and the Aston’s at another rally soon.
For those arriving on the Thursday, in keeping with tradition Happy Hour started at 4.30 where all those present were welcomed and future activities were discussed briefly. At 7.00 p.m. people started to feel hungry.
Following morning tea on Thursday a group circumnavigated Griffiths Island and the Lighthouse, watching thunderstorms out to sea. Afterwards several met at “The Hub Café” for coffee and a bite to eat and wander around main street.
By late afternoon most people had arrived and we met for happy hour, a very large circle was formed and the sun was shining. Rob Fairbairn and Anita Orr entertained us, Rob with his original “G’Day G’Day” song and Anita with her Prize Winning moving song named “World’s Fall Apart”, which was inspired by the recent bushfires. A singalong was enjoyed and Rob had penned a version of “Going to Port Fairy” (to the tune of “South Australia” and called for any additional verses to be sung on last evening.
On Saturday weather a bit inclement, so off to Koroit to meander around the Botanical Gardens which were established around 1880 and based on Guilfoyle plans. We also viewed an unusual fence display at Koroit Kindergarten which was of interest.
For lunch over 30 of us landed at the Koroit Bakery (we did warn them that we were coming). Couldn’t all sit together in Bakery , however, overflow diners ate next door at Noodledoof for an enjoyable light lunch.
Had intended going to Tower Hill but due to light showers changed plans and most went back to Park and as we had access to a very well set out Recreation Room with large screen where we showed a “feel good” movie. Some followed up with dip in the heated pool at Park.
Saturday night dinner was held at The Victoria Hotel, with such a large group, things ran fairly smoothly.
A few attended the “Farmers Market” on Sunday morning, after morning tea some of the “bushwalkers” drove to Warrnambool and did a walk around cliff tops. A group drove to Tower Hill near Koroit and did a 1-1/2 hr walk around the volcanic rim, according to the map it looked like a simple walk but was quite arduous in places and some dangerous loose gravel in parts. A welcome cup of coffee from kiosk awaited where we joined up again with Bev, John & Lexie. We must way well done to Sigi & Inge for completing this walk under the circumstances.
Killarney Beach was next port of call, this was where the fabled Mahogany Ship wreck was supposed to have been, nice beach but “no sign of ship” which hasn’t been seen for 150 years.
In afternoon people filled in own time looking around the historic town, bird watching etc.
Happy Hour took place in the Recreation Room where Anita, Russell, Rob & Robin having a sing-a-long/jam session. Rob sang “Bound for Port Fairy” song with a few additions” which got a few laughs. A music quiz which was organised by Rob was great fun and increased our knowledge !!!!! (we thank Rob for doing so at short notice).
After many years a nearly a foundation member, Val Wirtanen was presented with the “Oh Bugger Award”. On Thursday afternoon after telling another person to “be careful of open window on her van” she then head butted the said window and with the assistance of Andre, Dieter along with Di Hayward they eventually found a surgery with a Dr. and she had 4 stitches in her head. In usual Val style “nothing keeps her down” though and after a quick shower and washing her hair she went and enjoyed fish & chips for dinner.
Several joined for barbecue/dinner together in rec. room. Rob kindly agreed to sing a few more songs including one he wrote with some of his school kids some years back called “Going on Holidays” . We really appreciated Anita & Rob for providing this entertainment.
For the most part the weather was kind to us (not like in Melbourne) and we would both like to thank everyone who attended this rally. “GREAT PEOPLE MAKE GREAT COMPANY”.
Lawrie & Alison
The first U3A Knox Wanderers Group rally for 2020 was held at Port Fairy with 41 people attending. Unfortunately, 4 people had to pull out for personal and medical reasons. We hope to see The Comport’s and the Aston’s at another rally soon.
For those arriving on the Thursday, in keeping with tradition Happy Hour started at 4.30 where all those present were welcomed and future activities were discussed briefly. At 7.00 p.m. people started to feel hungry.
Following morning tea on Thursday a group circumnavigated Griffiths Island and the Lighthouse, watching thunderstorms out to sea. Afterwards several met at “The Hub Café” for coffee and a bite to eat and wander around main street.
By late afternoon most people had arrived and we met for happy hour, a very large circle was formed and the sun was shining. Rob Fairbairn and Anita Orr entertained us, Rob with his original “G’Day G’Day” song and Anita with her Prize Winning moving song named “World’s Fall Apart”, which was inspired by the recent bushfires. A singalong was enjoyed and Rob had penned a version of “Going to Port Fairy” (to the tune of “South Australia” and called for any additional verses to be sung on last evening.
On Saturday weather a bit inclement, so off to Koroit to meander around the Botanical Gardens which were established around 1880 and based on Guilfoyle plans. We also viewed an unusual fence display at Koroit Kindergarten which was of interest.
For lunch over 30 of us landed at the Koroit Bakery (we did warn them that we were coming). Couldn’t all sit together in Bakery , however, overflow diners ate next door at Noodledoof for an enjoyable light lunch.
Had intended going to Tower Hill but due to light showers changed plans and most went back to Park and as we had access to a very well set out Recreation Room with large screen where we showed a “feel good” movie. Some followed up with dip in the heated pool at Park.
Saturday night dinner was held at The Victoria Hotel, with such a large group, things ran fairly smoothly.
A few attended the “Farmers Market” on Sunday morning, after morning tea some of the “bushwalkers” drove to Warrnambool and did a walk around cliff tops. A group drove to Tower Hill near Koroit and did a 1-1/2 hr walk around the volcanic rim, according to the map it looked like a simple walk but was quite arduous in places and some dangerous loose gravel in parts. A welcome cup of coffee from kiosk awaited where we joined up again with Bev, John & Lexie. We must way well done to Sigi & Inge for completing this walk under the circumstances.
Killarney Beach was next port of call, this was where the fabled Mahogany Ship wreck was supposed to have been, nice beach but “no sign of ship” which hasn’t been seen for 150 years.
In afternoon people filled in own time looking around the historic town, bird watching etc.
Happy Hour took place in the Recreation Room where Anita, Russell, Rob & Robin having a sing-a-long/jam session. Rob sang “Bound for Port Fairy” song with a few additions” which got a few laughs. A music quiz which was organised by Rob was great fun and increased our knowledge !!!!! (we thank Rob for doing so at short notice).
After many years a nearly a foundation member, Val Wirtanen was presented with the “Oh Bugger Award”. On Thursday afternoon after telling another person to “be careful of open window on her van” she then head butted the said window and with the assistance of Andre, Dieter along with Di Hayward they eventually found a surgery with a Dr. and she had 4 stitches in her head. In usual Val style “nothing keeps her down” though and after a quick shower and washing her hair she went and enjoyed fish & chips for dinner.
Several joined for barbecue/dinner together in rec. room. Rob kindly agreed to sing a few more songs including one he wrote with some of his school kids some years back called “Going on Holidays” . We really appreciated Anita & Rob for providing this entertainment.
For the most part the weather was kind to us (not like in Melbourne) and we would both like to thank everyone who attended this rally. “GREAT PEOPLE MAKE GREAT COMPANY”.
Lawrie & Alison