This year our Christmas Party was held at the Austrian Club at Mawson. There was a great turnout by members, many of whom got into the spirit of "The Sound of Music" in honour of the movie's 50th anniversary.
A popular Canberra band, The Second Movement played all evening with a combination of golden oldies and songs from The Sound of Music.
A highlight the evening was a performance by the Austrian Club Choir. They sang a combination of hits from The Sound of Music and traditional Christmas songs and carols. An excerpt of their performance is below.
During the evening Sue organised a German hat swapping contest with 2 teams selected from the audience. It was great fun, with most people demonstrably unable to put a hat on their head. Maybe this should have been done before any drinking started and people lost their ability to coordinate.
The dinner continued long into the night with many members taking the opportunity to dance to the fabulous band that belted out hit after hit that we could all dance and sing to.
A slideshow of the evening is below. If you can't see the slideshow, click here. Below this is a link to a recording of the choir singing one of the songs from the Sound of Music. I wasn't sure how the video would turn out from my position at the back of the room, and unfortunately I was standing behind some noisy eaters (you know who you are!), so there is a bit of dinner noise along with the singing.
The choir singing one of their songs
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Saturday, December 5, 2015
Cooma Cup 2015
In December, a group of members headed off to Cooma for the running of the Cooma Cup.
I don't know much about what went on, but from the pictures they captured it looks like they had a great time. And from the photos it seems that no unattached man was safe that day.
Congratulations to Val for coming second in the Best Dressed Woman category.
A slideshow is below. If you can't see it, click here.
I don't know much about what went on, but from the pictures they captured it looks like they had a great time. And from the photos it seems that no unattached man was safe that day.
Congratulations to Val for coming second in the Best Dressed Woman category.
A slideshow is below. If you can't see it, click here.
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Retina Lunch
Once again members of Women in Racing supported the fundraising lunch for Retina Australia ACT.
The lunch was held in the Rich Rewards room at Thoroughbred Park, with many members attending.
The lunch started with a welcome glass of champagne or wine and an opportunity to socialise with the other attendees.
MC for the day was David Kilby who is Patron of RA (ACT).
Robin Poke, President of Retina Australia ACT gave an introductory speech and was followed by Chris Burton who suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa. Chris gave a talk about his new hi-tech glasses that have significantly returned some of his vision and have allowed him to continue his engineering degree. His glasses include a digital camera linked to a pair of small monitor screens and allow him to zoom in and adjust the image to maximise his ability to see. The glasses cost him $20K and required him to fly to Canada to get them.
During the afternoon we had a monster raffle with many members winning prizes.
Following a most excellent lunch of barbequed steak, chicken, gourmet sausages and various salad, Gordon Scott of Elders Real Estate Belconnen ran an auction where attendees snapped up bargain artwork, memorabilia, decorator items, and other items.
Of course, the races continued all afternoon with some people winning big, I am sure. A great day was had by all. A slideshow of the day is below, and if you can't see it, click here.
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The lunch was held in the Rich Rewards room at Thoroughbred Park, with many members attending.
The lunch started with a welcome glass of champagne or wine and an opportunity to socialise with the other attendees.
MC for the day was David Kilby who is Patron of RA (ACT).
Robin Poke, President of Retina Australia ACT gave an introductory speech and was followed by Chris Burton who suffers from Retinitis Pigmentosa. Chris gave a talk about his new hi-tech glasses that have significantly returned some of his vision and have allowed him to continue his engineering degree. His glasses include a digital camera linked to a pair of small monitor screens and allow him to zoom in and adjust the image to maximise his ability to see. The glasses cost him $20K and required him to fly to Canada to get them.
During the afternoon we had a monster raffle with many members winning prizes.
Following a most excellent lunch of barbequed steak, chicken, gourmet sausages and various salad, Gordon Scott of Elders Real Estate Belconnen ran an auction where attendees snapped up bargain artwork, memorabilia, decorator items, and other items.
Of course, the races continued all afternoon with some people winning big, I am sure. A great day was had by all. A slideshow of the day is below, and if you can't see it, click here.
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Friday, October 16, 2015
Charity Lunch
This year's charity lunch was in support of Alzheimers Australia ACT.
It was held at the Hellenic Club, and was well-attended, both by Women In Racing members, and members of other charities showing their support.
Attendees were entertained by a fashion show modelled by our own members and a few fashionistas like Josh Burgess who has won more than a few Fashions on the Field titles.
The guest speaker was Julia Ritchie, racehorse owner and breeder, and the first woman elected to the Australian Jockey Club committee. She gave a run down of her entry into the racing business and her career in film-making as a production manager with involvement in iconic horse movies Phar Lap and Archer. Her horse Vancouver recently won the $3.5 million Golden Slipper and she brought her trophy along for people to look at and have their photo taken with.
Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove recorded a video message for the event, thanking Women In Racing for their support of charities such as Alzheimers Australia and in particular the work of Sue King.
A slideshow of the event is shown below. If you can't see it, click here.
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It was held at the Hellenic Club, and was well-attended, both by Women In Racing members, and members of other charities showing their support.
Attendees were entertained by a fashion show modelled by our own members and a few fashionistas like Josh Burgess who has won more than a few Fashions on the Field titles.
The guest speaker was Julia Ritchie, racehorse owner and breeder, and the first woman elected to the Australian Jockey Club committee. She gave a run down of her entry into the racing business and her career in film-making as a production manager with involvement in iconic horse movies Phar Lap and Archer. Her horse Vancouver recently won the $3.5 million Golden Slipper and she brought her trophy along for people to look at and have their photo taken with.
Governor-General and Lady Cosgrove recorded a video message for the event, thanking Women In Racing for their support of charities such as Alzheimers Australia and in particular the work of Sue King.
A slideshow of the event is shown below. If you can't see it, click here.
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Saturday, September 19, 2015
Wagga Races and Kooringal Stud
This month we had a day trip to the Wagga Wagga races, and a visit to the Kooringal Stud that is just outside Wagga.
Once on the bus we had our traditional warm ham croissants for breakfast, washed down with a glass of champagne or two. We then stopped for morning tea in the sunshine at Gundagai. According to Google (that knows everything apparently) we stopped for exactly 36 minutes. A highlight of the stop was that we celebrated Les' birthday with a cake.
Before going to the races, we stopped at Kooringal Stud (that Google tells me is at Junee). We were shown around the extensive property by Stuart Lamont, one of the Stud Principals. He shared the history of the property that has been in his family for several generations and explained how they have diversified into sheep, canola and wheat. We visited the breeding shed and the stalls where the recent foals and their mothers were housed - they keep them contained until the foals are strong enough to go into the paddocks.
While there, Mick & Jan James, and Bob and Lyn Barlow were introduced to the sire The Brothers War who hopefully has earnt his stud fee with their horse Knucklemania.
We continued on to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, arriving at 12:34pm (thanks, Google). There was a very large turnout at the racecourse as it was Uni Day, with uni students from near and far attending. We were told later that the attendance was about 6,500 and that the racecourse was about to run out of food and drink.
Because we had a larger than expected number of people on the trip, the budget was able to be extended to provide lunch for us all. We had a reserved undercover area and a great lunch of barbecued steak, sausages, and salads.
The weather couldn't have been better, and we all had a great time. We were back in Canberra at about 9pm.
A slideshow of the day is below. As usual, if you can't see the slideshow, click here.
Once on the bus we had our traditional warm ham croissants for breakfast, washed down with a glass of champagne or two. We then stopped for morning tea in the sunshine at Gundagai. According to Google (that knows everything apparently) we stopped for exactly 36 minutes. A highlight of the stop was that we celebrated Les' birthday with a cake.
Before going to the races, we stopped at Kooringal Stud (that Google tells me is at Junee). We were shown around the extensive property by Stuart Lamont, one of the Stud Principals. He shared the history of the property that has been in his family for several generations and explained how they have diversified into sheep, canola and wheat. We visited the breeding shed and the stalls where the recent foals and their mothers were housed - they keep them contained until the foals are strong enough to go into the paddocks.
While there, Mick & Jan James, and Bob and Lyn Barlow were introduced to the sire The Brothers War who hopefully has earnt his stud fee with their horse Knucklemania.
We continued on to the Murrumbidgee Turf Club, arriving at 12:34pm (thanks, Google). There was a very large turnout at the racecourse as it was Uni Day, with uni students from near and far attending. We were told later that the attendance was about 6,500 and that the racecourse was about to run out of food and drink.
Because we had a larger than expected number of people on the trip, the budget was able to be extended to provide lunch for us all. We had a reserved undercover area and a great lunch of barbecued steak, sausages, and salads.
The weather couldn't have been better, and we all had a great time. We were back in Canberra at about 9pm.
A slideshow of the day is below. As usual, if you can't see the slideshow, click here.
Sunday, August 16, 2015
AGM 2015
This year our AGM was shifted to the Realm Hotel because the Brassey Hotel is no longer available. We were well looked after at the Realm, with a light airy room, plenty of space, and great food.
As members arrived and signed in, many picked up their new Women in Racing name tags. In her President's Report later in the AGM, Sue said that cost of producing the old badges was just too high now, and the new name tags are far more cost-effective and don't have to be ordered in large batches.
We started with drinks in the ballroom foyer and then proceeded inside for the AGM.
The AGM started with Mary presenting the Treasurer's Report, followed by Sue who gave the President's Report.
Rosey and Jan James then gave a rundown about some of the memorable outings that we'd had this year.
As usual, the AGM is the time when we elect a new committee and this year was no exception. The only difference this year was that we had more nominations than positions available so we had to institute a vote. This was the first time ever, and it shows we have a great group of people wanting to contribute.
This year we had Peter Stubbs as a guest speaker. Peter is the CEO of Thoroughbred Park. He gave a talk about the synthetic track at the racecourse and how it needed to be replaced. He explained about the racecourse's satisfactory experience with the surface and what it has learnt from it. The racecourse is now planning to replace the surface with a new combination of materials that it has determined will provide additional life.
We finished off the day with lunch and a lot of socialising. A great day was had by all.
Photos of the day are below. If you can't see the slideshow, click here.
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As members arrived and signed in, many picked up their new Women in Racing name tags. In her President's Report later in the AGM, Sue said that cost of producing the old badges was just too high now, and the new name tags are far more cost-effective and don't have to be ordered in large batches.
We started with drinks in the ballroom foyer and then proceeded inside for the AGM.
The AGM started with Mary presenting the Treasurer's Report, followed by Sue who gave the President's Report.
Rosey and Jan James then gave a rundown about some of the memorable outings that we'd had this year.
As usual, the AGM is the time when we elect a new committee and this year was no exception. The only difference this year was that we had more nominations than positions available so we had to institute a vote. This was the first time ever, and it shows we have a great group of people wanting to contribute.
This year we had Peter Stubbs as a guest speaker. Peter is the CEO of Thoroughbred Park. He gave a talk about the synthetic track at the racecourse and how it needed to be replaced. He explained about the racecourse's satisfactory experience with the surface and what it has learnt from it. The racecourse is now planning to replace the surface with a new combination of materials that it has determined will provide additional life.
We finished off the day with lunch and a lot of socialising. A great day was had by all.
Photos of the day are below. If you can't see the slideshow, click here.
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Sunday, July 26, 2015
Meet and Greet
This year Jan and Mick volunteered their house for the annual meet and greet function.
There was great turn-up from the members, and there was plenty of food and champagne to go around, all prepared by the various Committee members.
Sue announced that Phillippa was stepping down from the committee and thanked her for all her contributions. She also identified some of the social events coming up, including those that were confirmed and some still in the planning stages.
A few pictures of the day are below in the slideshow. If you can't see this, then click here.
There was great turn-up from the members, and there was plenty of food and champagne to go around, all prepared by the various Committee members.
Sue announced that Phillippa was stepping down from the committee and thanked her for all her contributions. She also identified some of the social events coming up, including those that were confirmed and some still in the planning stages.
A few pictures of the day are below in the slideshow. If you can't see this, then click here.
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Games Afternoon 2015
For the last time ever, the Brassey Hotel was the location of our annual games afternoon. Unfortunately the Brassey has been sold and the function rooms won't be available for hire any more. Despite the somewhat sad occasion, everyone was in good spirits and out to enjoy themselves.
Accompanied by champagne, we played bingo, and answered trivia questions. There was also a set of mathematical problems for those who could count without using their fingers. One problem was ti work out the number of handshakes a group of 9 people could have if they only shook hands with someone once. The only way people could be sure was to stand up and do it!
Everyone had come prepared with a horse racing joke, so one-by-one people got up and told their jokes. Unfortunately someone ruined Mick's thunder by telling his joke first, so he managed to re-tell the 30-second joke as a 10-minute saga.
Everybody had come dressed as either Gai Waterhouse or Bart Cummings. So there was a lot of choice in the Best Of competitions. Dawn won Best Gai and Keith won Best Bart.
At the end of the day the scores were added up by Lee and Jan and the competition winners announced. The winners won a dinner at Sue and Gerd's with the runners' up winning a lunch at Lyn and Bob's farm.
A slideshow of the day is below. If you can't see it, click here.
Accompanied by champagne, we played bingo, and answered trivia questions. There was also a set of mathematical problems for those who could count without using their fingers. One problem was ti work out the number of handshakes a group of 9 people could have if they only shook hands with someone once. The only way people could be sure was to stand up and do it!
Everyone had come prepared with a horse racing joke, so one-by-one people got up and told their jokes. Unfortunately someone ruined Mick's thunder by telling his joke first, so he managed to re-tell the 30-second joke as a 10-minute saga.
Everybody had come dressed as either Gai Waterhouse or Bart Cummings. So there was a lot of choice in the Best Of competitions. Dawn won Best Gai and Keith won Best Bart.
At the end of the day the scores were added up by Lee and Jan and the competition winners announced. The winners won a dinner at Sue and Gerd's with the runners' up winning a lunch at Lyn and Bob's farm.
A slideshow of the day is below. If you can't see it, click here.
Sunday, May 3, 2015
Kentucky Derby 2015
For the first time, Women in Racing this month celebrated the 141st running of the Kentucky Derby.
We met at the Forrest Lodge Motel, which has a great function room with an outdoor glass annex that allowed people to sit inside or sit outside in the warm Autumn sun. There was also plenty of room for people to move around and socialise or to remain at their table if they wanted. Over 70 people attended.
The tables were decorated with Kentucky Derby souvenirs that had been specially imported for the event. On each table was a history of the Kentucky Derby that someone at that table needed to memorise in a quiz later in the day. I overheard many people claiming failing memory in the hope that someone else would volunteer for the job.
The event started with champagne and socialising at 2pm. Later, we sat helped ourselves to a generous afternoon tea of sandwiches, profiteroles, cake, apple crumble, and chocolate.
During the afternoon we sold sweep tickets for the Kentucky Derby that had been run a few hours earlier in the US. We then played a recorded copy of the race, with nobody caring that it was a replay.
Afterwoods we had our own Fashions on the Field competitions for Best Hat, Best Dressed Woman, and Best Dressed couple. You'll have to look at the photos below to see who won what.
After some more drinks and food, we held the Kentucky Derby quiz with contestants being eliminated left and right, until Sharyn stepped up to the plate and took the prize.
It was a great day, with congratulations to the committee that made it such a success.
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We met at the Forrest Lodge Motel, which has a great function room with an outdoor glass annex that allowed people to sit inside or sit outside in the warm Autumn sun. There was also plenty of room for people to move around and socialise or to remain at their table if they wanted. Over 70 people attended.
The tables were decorated with Kentucky Derby souvenirs that had been specially imported for the event. On each table was a history of the Kentucky Derby that someone at that table needed to memorise in a quiz later in the day. I overheard many people claiming failing memory in the hope that someone else would volunteer for the job.
The event started with champagne and socialising at 2pm. Later, we sat helped ourselves to a generous afternoon tea of sandwiches, profiteroles, cake, apple crumble, and chocolate.
During the afternoon we sold sweep tickets for the Kentucky Derby that had been run a few hours earlier in the US. We then played a recorded copy of the race, with nobody caring that it was a replay.
Afterwoods we had our own Fashions on the Field competitions for Best Hat, Best Dressed Woman, and Best Dressed couple. You'll have to look at the photos below to see who won what.
After some more drinks and food, we held the Kentucky Derby quiz with contestants being eliminated left and right, until Sharyn stepped up to the plate and took the prize.
It was a great day, with congratulations to the committee that made it such a success.
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Monday, February 23, 2015
Members' Lunch 2015
As in past years, the Members' Lunch was held in Silks Restaurant at the Canberra racecourse. The weather was great, which only added to the day. The room was full of members.
The event was opened by Sue, who introduced our guests for the day:
There were three milliners present, with tables of hats that drew many of the members like a moth to a flame.
In between races we held our own Fashion on the Field competition. Best Dressed Lady went to Ellnor Grassby. Best Dressed Man was Josh Burgess, Best Couple were Franca and Dayle, Best Hat originally went to Debra Parrish, but as she donated one of her own creations as a prize, she had to pick a runner up - this went to Karyn Peyton, Best Male Hat to John Howe, Best Tie to Mick James. Our judges for the day were Debra, Trish and Sky.
After the running of the Lightning Ridge Plate, Sky Holland, the Opal Queen, was introduced to the owner of the winning horse and her trainer Graz Vella.
All-in-all a great day was had by all. A slideshow is below. If you can't see it, click here.
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The event was opened by Sue, who introduced our guests for the day:
- Sky Holland - the 2014/15 Lightning Ridge Opal Queen
- Trish Bradley - the 2015 Narooma Cup Fashions on the Field winner
- John and Neroli Bevan from Lightning Ridge
- Dr Chris Ward, Chairman of the Canberra Racing Club
There were three milliners present, with tables of hats that drew many of the members like a moth to a flame.
In between races we held our own Fashion on the Field competition. Best Dressed Lady went to Ellnor Grassby. Best Dressed Man was Josh Burgess, Best Couple were Franca and Dayle, Best Hat originally went to Debra Parrish, but as she donated one of her own creations as a prize, she had to pick a runner up - this went to Karyn Peyton, Best Male Hat to John Howe, Best Tie to Mick James. Our judges for the day were Debra, Trish and Sky.
After the running of the Lightning Ridge Plate, Sky Holland, the Opal Queen, was introduced to the owner of the winning horse and her trainer Graz Vella.
All-in-all a great day was had by all. A slideshow is below. If you can't see it, click here.
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