Ah me, the things we do as President..........like masquerading as Saint Nicholas at our Christmas function last Monday 16 December. There were some uncharitable members who thought I needed fattening up, but I was content to be a slimmer version of the jolly red giant and there was certainly nothing false about my beard. 

The venue for the evening was the pavilion at Melville Glades Golf Club (MGGC) which allowed us separation and privacy to enjoy each others' company; the MGGC buffet and bar; and the benefit of the light prevailing breezes, calming golf course views and kangaroos.

It was great to see so many members and their partners attending the function. If the general din of conversation and laughter was any indication everyone was enjoying themselves immensely and I thank our Club Director of Club Service, Greg Hamilton, for organising the event.

We also had some very special guests: Emily Fisher (our next outbound exchange student) and her parents Alyssa and Grant, grandfather Tom and siblings Alex and Natalia; and Johanna's current host, Lynda Warlick and her children Leilah, Luke and Dylan. All but Dylan pictured below:

What was also very special was the entertainment provided by Emily and Alex both on violin (pictured at right). They were followed by Johanna singing a selection of traditional and contemporary Christmas songs accompanied on guitar by Ivan Liew. (also pictured at right).

Our other special guest was Danny who gives his time each year to the Rotary WA Driver Education (RWADE) course (of which there have been at least four so far this month) to tell the cautionary tale of his very serious injury and lifelong disability from an accident in the car he was driving.  

It was also an occasion to pause and remember Greg Delfs, Jim Burkett and Erwin Biemel all of whom have passed away within the last two years. They are all sadly missed from our Rotary family. 

Now it just remains for me to wish everyone a very safe and happy Christmas and New Year. The break will I'm sure, be welcome and I trust, fun and family filled. And do please remember Johanna over this long break from school and take her out whenever you can.