Hello everybody,

Well another action packed month has come and gone.  We had over 20 new members as a result of the 4x4 show and the idea of scheduling a driver training course soon after the show and encouraging new members to register for that too seemed to be a winner.

The big event though was the annual Christmas party.  This year we changed venue to the Taggerty caravan park which sees a lot of activity from the Pajero Club as it is the regular stop point for the 'almost beginner weekends'.  Katrina with help from Bette, Barb and a few others had it all organised.   I believe that the club traditions were truly in place as many newer members were able to experience the social culture.  It was voted an excellent 'Kid friendly' venue.

The tickets for lunch idea worked well and the roast was excellent.   The horse and wagon was also a hit and Santa even hitched a ride on it!   In the end it was the youngsters who decorated the shelter with streamers and tinsel - then they hit the pool.   Elizabeth convinced her employer, Kenman Kandy Australia to donate the lollies for the kids, this was very much appreciated, especially by the kids, and the not so little kids.   So overall everybody lent a hand, making it a great success.

There were two lead-in trips actually run and these too were very popular and one even seems to have found some mud.   The third didn't run due to lack of numbers but, now that it is plotted, the plan is to run this as a day trip early next year.

Sometime on Saturday some of the ladies seemed to form a 'Marco Polo' club – very secret women's business it seems.

Owing to all the spare time we had, Ron and I, along with junior navigators Cody and Ben, decided to hit a couple of geocaches nearby.  That was a bit of fun and I think you will see some efforts shortly to get us organised for these hunts.   Just a piece of advice – don't start by looking for a 'micro cache' in a state forest.   Forests are big – micro caches are very, very small.   We did find it though.

Between the association and your committee we are trying to get a plan in place for assisting farmers in the coming bush fire season.   As we speak alliances are being pursued with CFA, SES, CWA and council regional emergence coordinators.   We will make more announcements as the plan develops – this is another example of a member led initiative where we can bring the resources of the club to those in the community that need them.

We are looking forward to a very action packed 2007, and hope that we are able to offer the new members a taste of what the club is about.

The Committee and I wish each and everyone of you a safe and enjoyable Christmas and happy New Year.

Enjoy your club.

John Campbell (755)