INBOUND EXCHANGE FROM MANAWATU, NEW ZEALAND
Exchange Directors: Patricia Richardson & Beverley Hassard
We have just concluded our week of exchange with the above club from New Zealand and we had an awesome time with the Ambassadors being friendly and appreciative.
Saturday: The Ambassadors were supposed to be arriving by train but the railway lines to Robina were having maintenance done so a mini bus was arranged for the 24 Ambassadors to meet us at the Robina Railway Station where all the Hosts were there to meet them. We prayed that the weather would be kind to us but the first day although fine was quite windy. It didn't dampen the spirits for our welcome brunch at Beverly's home which is situated on the canal. A big thank you to all the Hosts and members who provided a scrumptious arrangement of food and for our ladies behind the scenes making sure the food was ready and hot. We found having the first get together at Beverly's home allowed everyone to mingle and get to know one another and we were very happy with the numbers that turned out to meet our Ambassadors.
After the speeches, cutting the Welcome Cake and the taking of the official photos, everyone went off to their respective homes. It was decided that the afternoon be free as Ambassadors had been up for many hours and were 2 hours ahead in time.
Sunday: we allowed another free day so the Hosts could really get to know and entertain their Ambassadors the way they wished before the start of a very full week.
Monday: we all met at Hope Island for a wonderful Rum Runner Cruise. The weather had improved somewhat although still windy, but we were able to sit inside and a few braved the fresh air at the back of the boat. We left the jetty at midday and while a commentary was given on board of the different places of interest, we were served Yatala pies and mushy peas, followed by apple pie and cream then tea or coffee. Not up-market by any means but adequate for everyone to enjoy. We stopped at Sanctuary Cove for an hour to look around at the magnificent array of luxury boats and shops before boarding again and having our sample of port rum. Back at Hope Island Harbour by 3pm, and we felt that everyone enjoyed this cruise we were pleased to say the boat was full to capacity. This left enough time for members to take their Ambassadors home to rest before the Dinner Hosting that night. This is always popular and allows other members to get to know our visitors and show their talent in serving meals that were complimented by all.
Tuesday: in the morning we congregated at the Gold Coast City Council chamber for the Mayoral Reception, and we were fortunate to have the Mayor himself, Councillor Ron Clarke to interact with us. The Ambassadors were able to sit in the Councillors chairs and each was given a gift bag while waiting for the Mayor to arrive. This was followed by morning tea.
From here we drove to the Botanical gardens at Rosser Park where our 8th Australian tree was planted in the Friendship Grove by the Ambassadors and was called: Botanical name: Cupaniopsis newmanii; Common name: Long-leaved Tuckeroo.
Now That's Surely Not an Aussie Tree....?
This park is a real credit to the Gold Coast and we thoroughly enjoyed a picnic lunch at the new amenities before Ambassadors and Hosts went their separate ways.
Tuesday night Ambassadors took their hosts to dinner at the Kurrawa Surf Club, a lovely venue overlooking the beach with reasonable prices. Everyone who attended thoroughly enjoyed the meal and of course the prices....
Wednesday: the committee had arranged for the Ambassadors to pay the extra to go to the show at Jupiters Casino as it is spectacular and something different from what they would experience in New Zealand. The price included lunch at Food Fantasy and everyone enjoyed the show, and we were so pleased to see so many of our members present.
Thursday: was an early start at 7.30 am, and this was unavoidable as were travelling to the Sunshine Coast to the Australian Zoo. No one likes to get up early but I am sure everyone was pleased for they were able to see the animals relating to Australia especially the crocodiles. It was a long satisfying day but our bus was luxurious and perhaps there were a few who slept on the way and a few would have been asleep early that night.
Friday: Breakfast by the Beach and what perfect weather. It really was paradise and the Hosts brought a plate of fruit and their juice, before being provided with bacon and eggs cooked on the B.B.Q. A very relaxing morning and the rest of the day was free enabling the Ambassadors to shop or to see more of the Coast with their Hosts.
Our Ambassadors being New Zealanders we had a different Farewell Dinner in the form of a night at the Trots. It was a marvelous night as quite a few New Zealand horses were entered in the races and Sueanne the organiser named a race after the Friendship Force, plus put an article in the race book on what the Friendship Force was all about - good publicity! She also provided 2 prizes, each being a ride in the starters van, won by one of our Birthday boys and an Ambassador. Great excitement to see them following the horses around the track.
In between the races we managed to get the speeches in and present the photos and listened to the harmonious voices of our friends from across the Tasman.
Some were lucky with their wins, but no matter, as everyone had a marvelous time and it was not a late night.
Saturday: we said our fond farewells to the Ambassadors who left by train at Robina Station for Brisbane and onto Cairns and I'm sure lasting friendships were made.
Beverly and I would like to thank most sincerely our committee who were absolutely marvelous and we thoroughly enjoyed the social meetings we had over the past few months. This being our first Inbound Exchange as Exchange Directors, we would like to encourage other members to think seriously about accepting the position when it arises, as it is a wonderful and rewarding experience, and besides it is not just all about you but your committee, and also the members of our club who are there at any time to advise you.
Patricia
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