Christmas Party 2018

Another superb Christmas party has [almost] completed 2018 for Uringa Orienteers. [Almost, as there are still two events to run: Wed Dec 5 at Birchgrove and Thur Dec 28 at Centennial Park.]  

Social Coordinator Gayle Shepherd ensured there was a bumper attendance of 31 seniors and 8 juniors, good weather, and a groaning table of good things to eat contributed by all. 

Everyone provided conversation and laughter. Some of the newer club members (toddler Charlotte and baby Millie in particular) weren't too clear what it was all about, but soon got into the party mood.

  

The President’s Cup sent runners out on a line course of about three kilometres on the Villa Maria map. With three different sequences around the same controls it was essential you read your own map and not be tempted by someone else’s direction. Control questions ranged from the colour of the pots in front of someone’s garage (not the colour of the pots on the veranda!) to the school motto on a gatepost (with bonus points for an accurate translation). Participating in the Cup is not essential but it is good fun.

 The President’s Cup is always a bit of fun. Course setting and awarding of the cups is by the club’s president or delegate/s (this year Helen Murphy, Ant Nolan and Linda Sesta). Criteria used to award the cup is masked in secrecy. This year's winners were Terry Murphy, Matt & Helen Peters, and Jane Boland.

How long potter and orienteer Jitka Kopriva has been making the President’s Cup mugs prompted some discussion. The consensus seemed to be since 1989.

Santa Claus made his traditional appearance to wide spread excitement.

Mary Jane Mahony provided a ten-question Orienteering Quiz which proved more challenging than expected. The prize for best score (8-1/2) was jointly awarded to Melanie Christie and Barbara Dawson. (And, yes, there were some books about orienteering which were being recycled. Thanks to Terry Murphy.)

Helen Murphy drew lucky door prizes before presenting a thank you gift to Helen and Matt Peters for again generously hosting the party. Helen Peters and Matt Peters have now hosted the Uringa Christmas party a record nine times at Hunter’s Hill.