Highlights of Some Events of 2008

Rusty & Mr Hellier at Melbourne Cup at The Hughenden Sydney

I Am Jack with Tim McGarry tour Sydney & Outback NSW

Paulini and me at the HOPE Cambodian Appeal

Mark Seymour with Hunters & Collectors at Byron Bay Music Festival

Ambassador to Italy Amanda Vanstone, Susanne and Wendy Binks WA illustrator at Bologna Book Fair

A Wedding, A Party and it's nearly Christmas

Susanne Gervay, Lara Dank Communications Manager at the Centre, Greg Bastian author at NSW Writers Centre Christmas Party.

Amy and Jonathon’s wedding at the beautiful sandstone church All Saint’s in Ocean Street Woollahra, brought tears to my eyes. Amy was beautiful with a flowing veil and a smile that was as big as the day. The words shared inspired me to believe in true love and marriage, After the wedding celebrations, they are heading off to SE Asia to work as volunteers.

Then there was Hilarie Lindsay’s traditional Christmas party with writers and artists and friends – Moya Simons celebrating her new series, The Walk Right In Detective Agency, Andrew Lindsay who’s writing a new book and getting married and of course the wonderful Hilarie Lindsay who’s The Washerwoman published by Simon & Schuster is going into yet another repint.

Lots of ham and good food. Wine and wonderful conversation.

I LOVE Christmas

Best Christmas Decorations on Queen St Woollahra

** Tory in the festive spirit **

Mayor of Woollahra gave the award to the sparkles, stars, tinsel fantasia of Susan Avery’s Florist on Queen Streen.

Awarded at The Hughenden by the Mayor Andrew Petrie.

Judged by Sunday Herald Journalist for Fashion and Style, Neil Grigg Milliner to the Stars and film producer Britt le Vin.

Champagne was had by all in a celebration of the festive season.

MonkeyBaa Party 2009

Tim McGarry - the brilliant JACK in I AM JACK

Tim is not only a brilliant actor, but the BEST cooker at the MONKEYBAA barbecue on Saturday. We had heaps of fun and food with actors, writers, filmakers and the creative heart of Sydney.

The big talk was about AUSTRALIA with Nicole Kidman and Hugh Jackman directed by Baz – divided commentary from I LOVE it to I HATE it.

MonkeyBaa is doing a second season of I AM JACK – taking JACK to Somerset Celebration of Literature Festival on the Gold Coast 18-21
March 2009 and also in August-September playing in Melbourne, Sydney, Newcastle and Brisbane.

Parties, Parties, Parties – Christmas is Here 2008

How gorgeous is Eleanor Blaxland in her Venetian mask - daughter of the talented author Wendy Blaxland

Christmas, Christmas, Christmas

There’s good cheer, singing and celebration.

Highlights:-

1. Parties, parties, parties – how gorgeous is Eleanor Blaxland in her Venetian mask- daughter of the talented author Wendy Blaxland – at her 21st at The Hughenden

2. Carols in Woolllahra opened by MAYOR Andrew Petrie in the gardens with the preschool choir, Senior Citizens Choir and the Gay & Lesbian Choir – that sums up our area.
Santa visited and since I was the MC, I had to control the kids crushing Santa in the rush. I sang JINGLE BELLS with a jangle and a jingle and Rudolph the RED NOSED reindeer was a major success

3. The Hughenden Chrissy party – SANTA arrived without his sleigh, but he brought Mrs Claus and lots of presents instead.

4. STORYTELLERS at The Hughenden with Gayle Collins revealed the secret of the BLACK OPAL in Lightening Ridge where she lives in her stone built cottage on the mining diggings. It’s SIZZLING there at 45 degree Celcius.

ONLY 8 days until Christmas Eve.