The Blue Water Rally has been renowned for some great parties, but this one will certainly go down in the annals.  Brian and Margaret Baker, our Australian participants in the 2007-9 Rally, had always told me that they wanted to ensure that there was a suitable welcome for the Rally in Australia.  Well, what can I say?  They decided that they should host the event and last night we had a Welcome to Oz Party.

The event was held at the prestigious Clarion Hotel here at Mackay Marina and at sunset we were welcomed by Brian and Margaret with drinks and kangaroo and croc hors d'oeuvres - a real taste of Australia!  We were then treated to a sumptuous buffet.  Brian made a speech and ensured that none of us would forget Australia by presenting each owner with a beautiful coffee-table book called 'Landscape Australia'.

The Rally reciprocated with a joint gift of a watercolour painted by Harriet Hayes and individual presents for each of them presented by ladies from the Rally.

This is our first visit to Mackay and the Region and we were also greeted by Counsellor David Perkins, representing the Mayor and Regional Council.  We (Blue Water Rallies) were delighted to reciprocate with a memento of our visit.  I was delighted that we had an assurance that we shall be welcomed again many times over the coming years!

The party went with a swing - our hosts had provided a band, which literally hit the right note and played all the best music for dancing that we could remember!  Everyone was on the dance-floor at one stage or another and it wasn't too long before our participants made their own musical contributions.  Amongst the stars were John Clarke, Keith Harding and Patrice Boissy (who only joined the Rally that day!) and there was also an outstanding contribution from Lee Locke on guitar.

Brian and Margaret did not want this event to become a farewell party, but sadly it was, as they are leaving us here.  They have been great supporters of the Rally and last evening they were the most generous and hospitable of hosts.  Brian and Margaret, we wish you every happiness and a great homecoming.  Thank you again.