Dear Paul,

What great ideas you guys have come up with.
We have Carols by Candlelight in the Park
on December 9th. The pre-show entertainment kicks off
at 6.00pm with one of Australia's most entertaining
children's groups - Team Dream, and the Italian Club's
Choir.

The main concert gets underway at 7.30 pm and will include
Chris Sebastian (winner of The Voice - in 2020) plus other
celebrities. And Santa of course will be coming and there will
be a spectacular fire-works display at 9.30pm.

This is a Council sponsored yearly event and is fully packed
out.

We've also got the recognition of our city heroes - people who
have made exceptional contributions to our community
through volunteer unpaid or paid work.

These inspirational winners have shown leadership or
dedication to a cause and contributed to the well-being
of our city's residents.

Hi Foxy,

The Community Xmas Lunch went off without a hitch yesterday, with 16 or so vollys involved. A bit of a military style operation, with the hall functioning as the outlet for food parcels from 8 to 10am, also it was "Haircut Monday", "Laundry and Shower Bus Day", "Mobile Food Truck" and the Op Shop decided to put on a half price sale day (always a busy day), and to cap it off the mobile clothing van mob turned up, and I forgot the govvy rent advisers were there as well. Early clear out at 10am, set up 14 tables with 8 place settings at each, white and red table cloths, very Xmas like. The lunch, roast chicken and ham dinner, plum pud and custard for desert, all supplied by a local club. Food delivered with clock-work precision. Doors opened 12 noon, get everyone seated, a few announcements, and thank you's followed by dinner serving in an orderly fashion, 2pm clean up and put away, then those involved in getting the hall ready for "Xmas Tree" can do their thing. The wife tells me the first tree is up, more today and the rest by Friday. The only thing outstanding is, tablecloths to the laundromat. The next event for us is 'Xmas Hamper' giveaway on 21st and 23rd., bag them up on 19th, only given out to those with name on list.

Dear Paul,

It's really beginning to feel like Christmas - Thanks
to people like you and yours.
Bless you everyone!

Hi Foxy,

'Xmas Tree' is up and running, about 26 trees and a couple of displays, including a display of Xmas items from countries of the world. Some very innovative "trees" from individuals, organisations and businesses. Many convey a message, like the one made from food cans and packets, another is made from photos of locals and the local area, another made from knitted Santa's, all sorts of themes and ideas, including the traditional. Some people have a very good imagination.

I hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas Day.
Just by way of interest - Aussie Lithuanians are celebrating
a huge Festival this year in Sydney. It had been postponed
in the past due to COVID. Here's more for those interested:

http://australianlithuanians.org/dienos-sydney/

King Charles delivered his pre-recorded Christmas
message in St George's Chapel in Windsor where
the Queen and Prince Philip are both buried.

Video footage of the royal family appeared on
screen while he spoke.

In his message King Charles paid homage to his mother.
He also paid tribute to the public sector and health
care workers, charities as well as religious organisations
praising the latter for their work during the UK's ongoing
cost of living crisis.

King Charles ended his speech by referring to a previous
visit to Bethlehem the town where Jesus was born and
"the power of light overcoming darkness."

"It is this life-light and with the true humility that lies
in our service to others that I believe we can find hope
for the future." King Charles said.

"Let us therefore celebrate it together and cherish it always."

His message ended with a rendition of - "O Little Town of
Bethlehem" performed by the choir of St. George's Chapel.