23 October 2005
A small crew under the diligent command of Frank Bergersen (Whiskas, Matthew, Ross, Wombat) organised a fine evening of song, wine, celebration and thanks.
Those given recognition for their service to the choir during the year were Phil Gallagher and Darryl Cupitt (Doorkeepers), New Gare (music keeper and Wesely Concert), John Armitage (Wesley and the Narooma trip), Keith Brent (War Memorial gigs), John McGee (practice refreshments), Glenn Harley (Wesley), Ian Kentwell (part time conductor), and John Prout (PR work for the choir).
John Prout was also recognised as the oldest member of the choir, beating John McGee by a few days. The award for best attender at practice went to Bill Brophy - a fine achievement Bill!
Special recognition was given to David Lazarus (coping with significant adversity to sing with the choir) and Graeme Trompf, who has shown extraordinary commitment in regularly providing transport for David to get to practice and to gigs.
Musical Director, Andrea Clifford , Sarah Carvalho and Karen Fyfe were recognised for their outstanding work in getting us to the Opera House at a standard we could be proud of. Although not officially off until January, Sarah was also farewelled, and goes with our warmest best wishes to Opera Queensland. Her farewell present to us was a couple of fine solos.
Awardees were presented with Certificates of Appreciation by our Patron David Lewis, and also received an exclusive ARC T-shirt.
In welcoming our Patron, President Alastair Crombie announced that David had - to our great satisfaction - agreed to serve for a second year as Patron. This announcement was received with acclaim. As well as regularly providing the Committee with advice and ideas, David very generously sponsored a Patron's Award for Distinguished Service to the ARC, to be selected each year by the membership.
The 2005 winner of the Patron's Award was Alastair Crombie. In receiving the Award Alastair emphasised the rewards that had come from serving the choir, especially give the public standing that the choir currently enjoys. He also acknowledged the fine team of committed colleagues who served on the Committee during the year.
A three way competition for silliest song was easily won by the basses, with an outrageously sexist version of 'Let it be me' that had at least half the audience cringing. All joined in the Anthem, Calypso Medley and Gundagai, and later the choir fired up with 'American Trilogy' and 'Still Call Australia Home'.
Thanks again to Frank and the crew. Thanks also to Gary Chinn and Graham Mansfield for photography.
Got any great ideas for the Tenth Anniversary Dinner? Like to organise it?! Your committee would love to hear from you.....