Winter Warmer Fundraising Event – Gippsland Parish

… and for this one?

Auctioneer Michael Groves in action.

“…and for this one I’ll even throw in the bag for free!”

And so the bidding continued quickly for all the donated items on a suitably cold day in July for the Winter Warmer at Good Shepherd, Traralgon.

The gathering of 35 folk from across the Parish was treated to an array of 10 soups, breads and cakes, including some delicious German style ones. Each soup was accompanied by a jar with the label of the soup name. The soups were judged by people placing coins in the jar of their favourites. And the winner was, not the Sauerkraut or the minestrone but the mixed vegetables and sausage, entitled ‘the MM Special’ (with some ‘wags’ suggesting you’d need a ‘military medal’ to try it!) The prize money became a part of a larger collection for ALWS which included door entry donation and proceeds from the auction.

The auctioneer, Michael Groves, was able to joyfully entertain the gathering and sell the wide variety of donated goods from across the Parish ranging from plants to CD’s and hand-made felt hats.

All present were fully entertained by poetry readings, jokes, a tuba solo and soprano solo, as well as the singing duo of Pastor Tony Castle on guitar and banjo and Michael Groves on bass guitar with a favourite being a response to the ‘70’s song; “Redback on the toilet seat” called “The Redback’s Point of View” written and originally performed by “The Singing Kettles.” Bill and Kathy Kettle (members of the Parish and of ‘The Singing Kettles’ fame) kindly donated many CDs and albums of their work in support of the day.

A brief history of the ALWS, especially the early years at Bonegilla, resonated with quite of few of the gathering who had actually been settled there.

Everyone was thoroughly warmed and blessed by the occasion.