Bellbirds, Peterites Savour The Best of Hunter Valley – By Lawrence Machado
The Bellbirds Club certainly know how to organise a day trip to Hunter Valley, as we all found out to our delight. From an on-time coach departure to delicious picnic breakfast and lunch to the wine tours, we were pampered.
The recent trip to Hunter Valley included members from St Peter’s College OBU Sydney, thanks to the kind invitation from the Bellbirds, who spared no effort to make everyone welcome.
Long-time Bellbirds president Angela Jansz, along with long-time committee members Paul Donald and Shanthini Donald, and Cheryl D’Abrera, backed by their very able team, ensured everything went off well from the prompt pick off to the last drop off at Granville.
Hunter Valley was bathed in sunshine as the busload of happy campers toured some of the vineyards including Hope Estate, Emma’s Cottage and Stomp Wines, in addition to delicious cheese and ice cream outlets.
While many of us have visited Hunter Valley in the past, going with a fun-loving group was something different with many new friendships made and contacts shared.
Memories of wine tasting, crunching down on home-made pastries and snacks while sipping wine from newly-bought bottles, and rekindling old friendships will linger for long. Having the friendly Brazilian driver Mack, who knows Hunter Valley like the back of his hand, went a long way towards a totally-enjoyable trip.
The Bellbirds club is one of the oldest Lankan social clubs, founded way back in March 1967 by George and Vemis Jansz. Known for their popular New Year’s Eve dinner dances, Christmas carols and other events, the club continues to brighten up the lives of many Lankans and other nationalities in Sydney.
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As a socially-active club, the Bellbirds have two main events for the rest of the year: The Christmas Carols and party on Saturday, December 6, at the School of Arts Hall, North Ryde and a family night /New Years Eve dance in conjunction with the St Peter’s College Sydney OBU.
New members are always welcome, with the AGM (Includes buffet lunch) scheduled for Saturday, October 18, at 11am. Address: 159-161 Shaftesbury road Eastwood. Members $25. Non-members $30. For membership enquiries, please email: Sandra.foenander@gmail.com
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