Newsletter for November 2002
	DATES FOR YOUR DIARY November Tuesday 19th Voting for club awards December 6th, 7th,8th, - Morning Glory Camp & Christmas Party, 17th, - Last club meeting of the year, January 16th - M.C.M.C resumes meetings. PRESIDENTS REPORT The M.C.M.C Band and Artists were once again a popular promotion at the annual Mardi Gra in Queen St. Our members turned up in numbers to support the event. There were numerous volunteers to set up and pull down and pack the gear. The trailer was neatly packed in minutes. As we all know the musco's determine the success or failure of these gigs. The band that represented us on this night were enormous, Thanks to Lynda, Jason Boots, Brian & Joe for their continuous support. It was the quality of the music that had all of the singers performing up a couple of levels. One in particular was Jennifer Vallely who looked beautiful and performed above her Tuesday's form. Jason also doubled as the soundman and did a great job. Well-done gang. Thanks again to Brian Perrett for providing the generator. In the background of the bustle and activity was the real star of this show. Continuing with our policy of delegating and sharing the workload of areas of responsibility. Wayne Chambers had the job of putting the whole show together. This he did with distinction and a minimum of fuss. Wayne's major problem was the short fall in the minimum amount required for public liability Insurance. We were several million dollars short, this problem would have been insurmountable for all but the most dedicated and determined. Wayne solved the problem single handedley and it did not cost us a single cent for additional cover. His organizational skills were noticeable because the show ran smoothly without any problems. Wayne had everything covered right down to iced drinks for the band. With Wayne there is no talking or boasting about what he has done he just goes about his business quietly without fuss. This man is a quiet achiever and an asset to this club. The open guitar case collected coins to the value of $44.00. To all those involved well done and thanks. While at the show Council Organizers approached us and congratulated our club on our float in the Parade. They also thanked us for our contribution to the Mardi Gra. They liked what we were doing and the party mood that we generate. A high flyer in Council said that our generator smoked a little and that the Council would help us buy a new one. On behalf of council he made that commitment. SECRETARIES REPORT The support this club receives from it's members continues to amaze me, we kicked off on Sat 2nd Nov with the Fishers Ghost Parade, to be followed on Thursday night 7th by the annual street party in which we had a spot outside the Commonwealth bank. For this we met up at 4pm and didn't leave until 10-30pm. Friday night 8th saw many of our members at the Camden Civic Centre for the Farmers Drought Relief Concert, although this was not an M.C.M.C gig two of our members Les Gagan & Jean Merchant had put this together and many of the members went along to support this worthwhile event (Sadie was there as well), if you don't know who Sadie is don't miss Jean's next concert at the Hubertus club I can assure you, you won't have laughed so much in years, unless of course you went to Parkes to see Running Bear. Saturday night 9th saw the faithful few turn up to a ROCK concert in the park to support Neil Corey's son and his band Pyjama Party and I must admit we had a ball. Sunday 10th saw us all back at the Tennis club for the M.C.M.C monthly concert. After the concert we went inside for dinner and I must admit although everyone was still in high spirits I have never seen them all look so tired. As they all left with full belly's I am sure like me they were all looking for their beds. I thank everyone who came along to these events it was one hell of a week. Wayne he has now finished our club web page if you wish to be featured on this page please give Wayne your Bio and photos and he will be only too pleased to do you a page. I would like to thank Mathew (Mattie) from Blacktown Country Music Club; He was working at the St Party with Ozzie Catering. He only popped down to say hello to us and ended up giving Boots a much needed break from the drums. What a great job he did, Thanks Mattie everyone here at Macarthur really enjoyed and appreciated your help. Many members commented to me that they missed seeing the kids on the float but if you watched the parade carefully you would have seen them. We will forgive you if you didn't recognize them as they were all dressed up, Michael Booties Morgan (ring master), Josh Merchant, William Bell & Peter Crowe (clowns) and Nellie Dargan (dancer). They were right behind M.C.M.C in the Parade. Josh Merchant was so popular with his antics with a feather duster he made the front page of the local paper. Good on ya kids you all looked great. Thank you to Sandy & Wayne for helping me out with their reports, It may look like we're repeating ourselves but we each have something different to say on the same subjects, so read on. CLUB AWARDS Voting for our club awards will be on Tuesday 19th Nov at the club meeting. These awards are voted on and then announced and awarded to the winners at our Christmas Party. This year we will have a Most Improved and an Encouragement Award in Senior, Junior and Sub Junior. Don't forget the most important award and that is Member Of The Year; This award can go to any member of the club. So put your thinking caps on and think of a member who has done the most all year to benefit the club. Please note this award is for any member not just committee. Our Junior section is kids from age 13yrs to 17yrs, and sub junior is 2yrs to 12yrs. If you are not sure of any of the kid's ages see me before you vote. CLUB CHRISTMAS BREAK This year we will hold our last Tuesday night meeting on Tuesday 17th December and meetings will begin again on Tuesday 16th January 2003. Mark these dates in your diary and have a well-earned break. SPECIAL THANKS As you all know Brian Perrett helps out every year with the truck for our float in the Fishers Ghost Festival. Well this year was no exception; once again Brian was only to pleased to do his bit. But this year he made us a trailer, he along with his helper Chandra (Nellie's auntie) worked for weeks ahead getting it ready for the day. After erecting safety railings around the trailer they then painted it so it looked great on the day. Brian also organized a tractor to pull it. Thank you both for all your hard work. I would also like to say a special thank you to Ray Standon, who on hearing we were collecting for our Christmas raffle kindly donated a microphone. For your PA needs don't forget to see Ray he is a great supporter of M.C.M.C. FARMERS DROUGHT RELIEF FUNDRAISING CONCERT Jean has two more of these shows to be held and the next one is at the Hubertus Club, Luddenham, on the 20th December, 7pm. If you were unfortunate enough to miss this one go along and help raise some money for a worthy cause. The format will be different for each show but I am sure every show will be a good one. Santa has already bought his ticket so bring the kids. For the people who saw the last show " YES Sadie will be there". If you are wondering who Sadie is all I can say is she's one hell of a lady so don't miss her. For Tickets or more Information see Jean at the club or phone on (02) 98292580. JANET MORGAN Publicity Officers Report Website www.macarthurcountrymusicclub.150m.com The club website is really progressing well. With Jason's input building some members sites. The newsletter will be available each month in the news section and if you would like your own little section of the World Wide Web see Wayne or Jason at the club. If you have the net on and have been to the site. You may have noticed some of the buttons in the news section don't work. That's because I haven't finished them yet. Fishers Ghost Street Party The club members that preformed at the Fishers Ghost Street Party gave all for their club on Thursday the 7th and showed they were proud to do it. If their task was to deliver the entertainment appetizer for our club to the public, then they completed their task. Peter Lee's first public performance went over a treat, no sign of first night nerves showed but I bet they were there and he hid them well and that great red and black shirt! I want one. The band played a couple of hot country numbers between our artists to keep the people walking up and down the street interested and wanting to stay were we had our stand. That showed when our other club members had their turn and there was someone there to watch. One good example of this was when the band played Boot Scootin' Boogie. We danced..they loved it. Preston McIntosh put on a show with a couple of numbers with his accordion and some were so impressed they threw money in the case. Speaking of money, the club earned around $40 on the night with the guitar case in front of the stand and with the gold coins almost outnumbering the silver that paid for the stand for the night. Accolades to Lynda Barnes. This girl has more front than "Sabrina" and showed it on the night with her intro "WE ARE! The Macarthur Country Music Club! And! We meet at the " when the band started playing between the artists. From the other side of the street were I was standing that was impressive. What can be said but "Thanks Lynda" But the highlight for many at this concert was the appearance on the street of our youngest member Miss Victoria Vallely. What a great little performer she is. People came from everywhere to watch her do five numbers. I don't think anyone believed Lynda when she announced her as a seven year old. The adults applauded her on every number she sang and the kids her own age stood there with mouths open so wide there jaws were on the footpath. But I think the biggest smile around the place came from the Council Manager of the Fishers Ghost Street Party when he said to me "That's how to draw a crowd". We also drew the attention of two television cameras! If any member who get's WIN 4, tapes it I'm sure the club would love to see it. If it wasn't noticed the WIN TV cameraman took a lot of interest in Boots Morgan and Joe Kozicki, the other one in the girls, namely Jenny Calleja and Lynda Barnes. Be interesting to know where that will end up documentary, late night TV perhaps? I have some photo's of this and will put them on the website shortly. Farmers Drought Relief Fundraising Variety Show Maurine and I attended the show on Friday night. With two club members. Les Gagan and Jean Merchant providing a great nights entertainment. Camden Civic Centre was the venue for this event and with Les drawing out Lucky Door Prize Tickets with numbers around the high 200's was well patronised and with that, at every opportunity Les promoted the Macarthur Country Music Club, thanks Les. This was the first time we have seen Samantha Hartley and enjoyed her segment as with the girl group Anonymous! WOW wont they go places. Boots Morgan kept us amused with his antics. "Is there anything this man will not do on the stage?" It kind of reminded me of the Bobby Limb TV show in the 1960's. Jean entertained us with her sexy "Little Black Dress" routine and left the stage during a couple of her numbers to the delight of the audience. So along with Deek Rivers, Sandy Anderson and Travis Collins on the show and the Dolly Birds on the door selling tickets, this was a $20 night for $10, quite a bargain. I have to say that as I have been a shift worker until recently and although I have heard the expression "burning the candle at both ends". I never knew what it meant until we got involved with you lot! It's Fun. Wayne Chambers FISHERS GHOST PARADE - 2 NOV 2002 Saturday found us at the sports oval once again for the annual Fishers Ghost street parade. Last years' truck had been replaced by a tractor pulling a massive trailer, a fitting vehicle for the Year of the Outback, which was the theme for the parade this year. Thanks must go to Brian, Chandra and Graham (did I spell it right?) for arranging this magnificent outfit, complete with hay bales and generator. Against a very strong, gusty wind, Barney and Amanda managed to push, pull and wrestle the huge club banner onto the frame. I tried to help, but being so short, was only able to hold the bottom of the banner while the experts went to work. After the banner was secured we were like bees around the honey pot, loading up speakers, amps, drums, and all the other paraphernalia that we all know we cannot do without. Everything in place, we fired up the generator and got down to the business of entertaining the other participants of the parade, with Terry on drums, Lynda on rhythm guitar, Jason on lead guitar, Barney on bass and Joe, our producer/director. Added to that the vocal talents of Tracey and, (learning) talents of yours truly, we were reminding everyone we were a country city and sing country music. Finally, we got underway, only to loose the generator power before we cleared the form-up area. After a couple of minutes of fiddling, we again had our instruments in full tune and announcing to all and sundry of our imminent arrival. Things were going great, with spectators clapping along to the beat of 'Rollin in my Sweet Babies Arms', 'Members of the Outback Club' and other favourites, past the Police station, across Broughton Street, past the council chambers, then, it happened. Very, very close to the judge's stand, our tractor stopped. Of all things, out of petrol, there, in full sight of the judges, who were very pleased to hear Lynda sing the Wombat song. Good one Lynda. We are still trying to work out how you got it to run out of petrol right there. The boys on the trailer were entertained by the Wests Football club float, forced to overtake our disabled tractor. Due to the cheer squad girls walking next to their truck, no one noticed there were actually people, let alone footballers, on the truck. Jason needed an eye transplant and I noticed a uniform 'eyes left' as they danced past. Cheers rang out as the tractor, now fuelled up, roared to life and we were underway, giving huge smiles to the judges as we passed them. The crowd in Queen Street gave us a rousing welcome and many were singing and clapping along with us. At one stage the microphone stand nearly joined Fred Fisher in the after-life after it kept wobbling around and hitting Lynda in the mouth. Finally we changed the stands, but forgot to change the mikes, leaving Joe in a bit of a dilemma trying to sort it out. It wasn't long before everything was back to normal and we enjoyed the rest of the parade, finishing up at the park. We set up there for a short time and did a few numbers, before packing up and heading off home. It was a great day and I am sure we have shown the newcomers to the area, that country music is alive and well in Campbelltown. Sandra Kelly LETTER FROM LES GAGAN Friday evening 8th November saw the opening of the first variety concert to aid the drought stricken farmers. After some technical problems and a late start M.C.M.C's "Boots" Morgan opened the show followed by Sandy Anderson, Samantha Hartley, Deek Rivers, Anonymous, Jean merchant and guest artist to close the evening Travis Collins. Jean & I would like to thank the members of M.C.M.C that supported us, both in the audience and behind the scenes. Thanks to Janet Morgan, Susan Hartland and Margaret Koster and anyone else that gave Janet a well-earned ciggie break. Britton Morrison of 2MCR, who is a dairy farmer himself, gave a talk on what farmers are facing as a result of the drought. Thanks also to Frankie T and Les Mercer for their support also Pickles (Christie) and Tickles (Josh) the clowns who added colour to the evening. We could fill more printing space than time would allow of heartfelt thanks, but it would be remiss of us not to thank "Heart Of Gold" the Band, Harry Koster, Tim Heart, Dave Cook, Steve Sullivan and Mike Tyne. The success of the evening was measured by the $2,449.85 that was raised and handed to the President of the Ingleburn Lions Club to be distributed to the Wesley Mission. This amount is not going to put an end to the drought but what it will do is HELP! Watch out in your newsletter for details of the next show on 20th December and Keep it free. Les Gagan. CONGRATULATIONS Our hearty congratulations go to Sharna on her 21st birthday. Also Jenny, Lynda, Janet & Jason, a big happy birthday to you all. SICK LIST Well what a clumsy lot we have been this month, Susan Sarcia hurt her knee, Susan Hartland broke her toe & super granny Ann Robinson broke her foot. Ill bet their all hopping mad. THOUGHTS FOR THE MONTH Telling a teenager the facts of life is like giving a goldfish a bath. Mosquitoes are like children the minute they stop making noises you know they're into something. Women's liberation will not have been achieved until a woman can become paunchy and bald and still think she's attractive to the opposite sex. MORNING GLORY CHRISTIAN CAMP Minerva Rd, Wedderburn, NSW December 6TH, 7th & 8th. Club Christmas Party & Awards. PLEASE BRING · Bedding · Pillows, · Sun block, · Insect Repellent, · Lunch & Drinks for Sat & Sun, · B-Y-O grog for Christmas Party. ACTIVITY PRICES · 2 Hour Bush Walk $3.00 · Archery ..$5.00 · BMX Bikes .$5.00 · The Rock Wall ..$5.00 · Swimming Pool . Free · Flying Fox ..Free · Initiative Games $5.00 · Bush Furniture ..$3.00 · Bush Craft ..$4.00 · Abseiling .$10.00 Conditions of Hire The camp/cabins must be left in a clean condition. A cleaning charge will be made if the condition of the camp is not left to the satisfaction of the caretaker. Breakages or damages must be paid for. All cars must be left in the car park with exception of disabled people. Open fires may only be lit with the approval of the caretaker. ALL pool activities must be supervised at all times. All Parents must supervise their children. Names must be placed on the list immediately for bookings and catering. Come Along and Have A Great Time!