Yep, that's right folks. After last year's hugely
successful pig roast barbecue in their backyard I wondered how Ian Currie
and Raywyn Erikson could possibly put on a better show for a second time around
Well they did! And how!!
Over a hundred and sixty guests gathered at their
place-several members of our Anglo-Indian Club, along withold 
pals
from the Anza (Australia & New Zealand) Club, Ian's golfing buddies, colleagues
from both their offices, and many more friends along with their families. It
was a lazy, sunny afternoon, perfect for sipping chilled beer and chin-wagging
with friends. Ian's tent canopy was crowded with picnic chairs and the buzz
of conversation was punctuated by cries of triumph from Carrom enthusiasts as
the striker zipped across the board to bury a coit in one of the corner pockets.
And all the while, the guest of honour, an 85 lb. porker slowly rotated on his
spit above a bed of sizzling coals. When he was done to a turn (no pun intended!)
Trevor Wright and Wing Kam sharpened their carving knives, and before long,
slices of tender pork were laid reverently on the serving table. That, and the
smell of succulent New Zealand lamb enticed a line of hungry 
picnickers
to the feast. Crisp-coated roast potatoes and steaming mixed veggies, a wealth
of pot-luck dishes: pastas, fresh greens smothered in a variety of dressings,
bean salads, rice dishes and casseroles, all combined to satisfy even the most
discriminating of taste-buds. And for those (like me) irresistibly drawn to
sweet rewards, the display of flans, cakes, pies, tarts and fruit salads provided
a fitting conclusion to a body-and-soul satisfying repast.
But the delights of the evening were far from over. A wonderful show was yet
in store: a Polynesian dance performance! The elaborate and colourful costumes
and the exquisitely executed dances brought a roar of applause from the audience.
The youngest member of the troupe-aged around five-was not only cute, but amazingly
talented. The whole presentation, in fact, was so outstanding that I greatly
regretted not having my video camera to hand.
The sun had begun to dip by the time the dancers filed off stage, but everyone
was still in great spirits (aided by the kind that comes out of bottles!) so
headed by Gwen and Ian at his state-of-the-art keyboard, we swung into a sing-a-long
session. Jeanette Barboza and Neville Buckle took the microphone to belt out
all those campfire oldies, and the audience needed little urging to join in.
Not sure whether the neighbours have put their houses up for sale as a result,
but as the stars came out, and the fairy lanterns glowed on the lawn perimeters,
I suspect that they too were hanging out in their backyards listening to Beatles
hits and maybe crooning along.
It was a party to end all parties. Ian and Raywayn have achieved legendary status
as backyard barbecue hosts for two years in a row. Their's will be a tough act
to follow next year. So, both personally and on behalf of the A-I Recreational
Club, Ian and Raywyn, thank you so much for everything you did to make this
such an unforgettable occasion for us all.
Margaret
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Here are a few extracts from e-mails to Ian and Raywyn which speak volumes! Lynn Illingworth: Dear Ian and Raywyn: Raywyn's response: Glad you could make it! Next year will be in Mission at Alan and Doreen Vidlers
Dear Ian & Raywyn: Florence R. Rickards Hi Raywyn: Tehri Skeith Hi Raywyn! And..finally, from one of our AI Club Members, Pat Peirce: Dear Ian and Raywyn, |