Words by Jeff.
The 2019 Motafrenz Christmas Party went off like clockwork at member Nick’s house in Brunswick East.
Many of the committee members arrived as early as 9am to make sure everything was prepared and ready well in advance for the over 40 members who mostly arrived at midday.
This year we did away with the buy-in dinner and went out on a limb to bring to the members a real backyard Aussie Christmas barbecue experience with all the accoutrements needed for a sophisticated crowd.
After we feasted on wonderful antipasto, lunch was served. A lovely assortment of meats, salads and breads. Everyone had more than enough to eat!
Sadly, Ross could not make this event, so Alan B filled in on his task of manning the barbecue along with Mat G. They made sure that nothing was burnt or undercooked and that everything was cooked to perfection.
The larger than expected backyard had been decked out with marquees and chairs and tables so we could all socialise as we enjoyed our meal.
With dinner out of the way, the cheesecake was served, along with lovely pavlovas with fresh fruits, and they were a hit – thank you Gordon C.
Then time for a street walk to look at a few cars and have some garage talk. This was a challenge as the old herding cats principle took over very quickly as the cars were up and down the side streets. Not as many people brought their pride and joy as this was an inner-city event.
After that it was time to all clamber inside at the bottom of the stairs to witness Gordon’s savvy sister Mary coming down the stairs donned in her unusual Christmas garb complete with a stunning silver tinsel wig. This was the Kris Kringle moment everyone had been waiting forward to because Mary makes sure that everybody gets a Kris Kringle and that everybody gets to know each other. A talent that is certainly exclusive to Mary.
Thanks to our “honorary Motafrenz” Nick’s friends Alan and Ben for helping as Mary’s elves for the afternoon!
After the unwrapping of our Kris Kringles and some convenient swapping, or putting away to recycle, it was raffle time with some fun gifts then it was time to wrap up and go home.
A big thank you to Nick for opening his heart and his house to put up with so many noisy members. It certainly seemed like everyone there had a splendid time getting to know one another.
