A grand occasion - His Excellency The Governor, the Hon Peter Underwood, cuts the Tasmanian Club s 150th birthday cake

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1 TASMANIAN CLUB SPECIAL EDITION N EWSLETTER T HE SESQUICENTENNIAL BALL SATURDAY 15 OCTOBER, 2011 A grand occasion - His Excellency The Governor, the Hon Peter Underwood, cuts the Tasmanian Club s 150th birthday cake The Tasmanian Club, 132 Macquarie Street, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. Tel: +61 (0) reception@tasmanianclub.org.au Web: tasmanianclub.org.au

2 Beforehand - The working bee hard at work - Ross Fouracre, President Tim Lewis, Clark Lamprill, Rob Dineen and Rupert Bell Beforehand Club stalwart, Beverley Howell, presents a 150th birthday bouquet to the Club with the President, John Macleod and Rupert Bell A magnificent arrangement. Harriet Fitzgerald led a team of helpers to make the Club look absolutely stunning throughout. President Tim Lewis (left) and Kate Lewis (right) greet guests at the Club reception Jenny and Ross Byrne in fine period style Sandy Gray and John Williams Odile Foster and Christopher Koren from Sydney

3 The Sesquicentennial Ball on October 15 was one of the Tasmanian Club s greatest nights since its foundation a century and one half ago. Despite stiff competition from two other gala events also held in Hobart some 220 Members and guests came from as far afield as the USA, Switzerland, New South Wales and Victoria. Meticulous preparations over many months by the Club staff and Ball Committee chaired by the Vice-President, John Macleod, and Members Tim Lewis (President), Rupert Bell, Peter Bennison, John Burgess, Ross Fouracre, Martyn Hagan and John Hamilton, were repaid handsomely by a wonderful occasion. The doors of the Club were thrown open to reveal all the rooms beautifully decorated with flowers and with gleaming silverware, thanks to the team of florists led by Harriet Fitzgerald and Housekeeper, Beverley Howell. A number of gentlemen were dressed in costume redolent of the mid 19 th century or white tie and tails. Evening dresses worn by the ladies received admiring glances and many compliments. Following an individual welcome by President Tim Lewis and Mrs Kate Lewis guests moved for pre-dinner drinks to a grand marquee set up in the car park. The guests of honour were His Excellency the Governor of Tasmania, Hon Peter Underwood AC and Mrs Underwood. His Excellency proposed the loyal toast then guests dispersed to sit down to dinner both in the Club house and the marquee. At the conclusion of the meal all reassembled in the marquee and His Excellency cut a special birthday cake and proposed a toast to the Club. The hours were wiled away with dancing to the music of Manhattan. Another highlight was a game of chance in the Bar where the Bank managed to make a modest gain while the billiard tables were well used later in the evening. And times have certainly changed in the piscatorial department. Someone had very thoughtfully provided a goldfish in a bowl who inevitably was named Wanda. She had more luck than her predecessor who, at the 1990 Ball, had an unfortunate one-way trip thanks to some hungry members. Dancing and merry-making continued until 4am before the last stayers wended their way home. The Governor (on the right) proposes a toast to the Tasmanian Club. President Tim Lewis, Mrs Underwood, the Governor and Kate Lewis One of the outstanding successes was the Tasmanian wines which had been recommended then provided by Wine Committee members - Greg Melick and David Johnstone. Who ever will forget the excellent Pressing Matters pinot? Some of Greg s 1994 Warre s vintage port also found its way to a few appreciative connoisseurs. Thank you Greg and David. Grateful thanks are also due to the following for their efforts in ensuring the success of this outstanding event. The Flower Team led by Harriet Fitzgerald (chief florist), Kate Lewis, Liz Macleod, Tam McMichael and Marion Shugg. Greenery and foliage were provided and delivered by Michael, David and Jimmy Johnston and Jim and Annabelle Grant. Assistants, who helped with setting up and cleaning up were: Tim Lewis, John Macleod, Rupert Bell, Peter Bennison, John Chilcott, Rob Dineen, Rob Fay, Ross Fouracre, Martyn Hagan, John Hamilton, Ashley Harris, Donald Macleod, Clark Lamprill and Freddie von Schmidt. The Athenaeum Club kindly assisted with the loan of tables and chairs. Finally, the Sesquicentennial Committee is deeply grateful to the staff of the Club. Led by Secretary/Manager (Rob Paterson) and in the kitchen by Chef (Grant Fooks) all staff worked most commendably during the lengthy preparations, on the sesquicentennial day and tidying up afterwards. It was a huge undertaking and Members appreciate their loyalty to the Club. Report - Club historian, Peter Bennison

4 Jocelyn and John Ross and Angie McDermott President Tim Lewis and the Governor Ross Fouracre, Annie Atkinson and Ray Brown Charlotte Bell, Mike and Harriet Fitzgerald Robert Young, John Gray, John Hamilton Charlie Lewis, Crosby Lyne and Freddie von Schmidt Dom Rea and Simon Crawley Helva Murdoch and Angie St Hill

5 Freddie von Schmidt, John St Hill and Barb Davies Diane Matthews and John Langford Rowena Ransley, Alex Hagan and Martyn Hagan Paul and Deb Swifte with the president of the Athenaeum Club, Adam Fisher, and Ruth Evans Maria Flynn, Geoff Stump and Hilary Ashton-Jones Kate and Don MacLeod Ian McMichael and Clark Lamprill Michael Lawrence, John Burgess, Matthew Groom and Charles Kemp

6 Magnificent food and award winning wines What a feast! Puddings galore Chef Grant Fooks with the birthday cake, after cutting! Some of the very helpful staff.

7 A very happy table in the Giblin Room Another happy table, this time in the Dining Room The Hon Bill Cox at a table with Jane Evans Dining in the marquee Bill Turner, John Macleod and John Davies Murray and Deb Elrington from Melbourne with Frank Youl Anne and Ian Cordner with Ashley Harris Justin Nichols and Liz Macleod

8 Concentration plus from Simon Foote Ray Brown, sharp shooter Henry Lewis ponders the odds Barb Davies, Gay Lewis and Kate Lewis Frank (wearing the Bruce) and Odile Foster Heather and Donald Macleod