U12-1's — Photo by Mrs Roberts

Well it was another beautiful autumn morning as we rocked up at Ruby’s for our champagne breakfast. We had 25 wonderful supporters who had come along for the ride. This year was extra special as we were there to try and raise some funds for the Devine Family. Hence the name – Michelle’s Girls Big Day Out 2008! We dedicated this bus trip to Michelle who is our Queen of Shopping Bus Trips and had nicknamed our first one as the GBDO.

The trip up was pretty quiet as people caught up on the gossip and prepared their battle plan for the day, Before we knew it we arrived at Birkenhead Point and received our special ‘b’ stickers – we assumed this was for Butchers of course and we hit the shops to make the most of our special ‘butcher’ discounts.

The rain did not dampen our spirits as we all headed to the Drummoyne Sailing club for lunch where the sun came out and made for an enjoyable rest. The girls all swapped shopping stories and gave hints to those less experienced shoppers of where to find the bargains. It was here we found out that Jacqui had completely blitzed all comers and won Man of the Match already! Thanks to Freedom and her husband’s credit card, Jacqui had managed to furnish her whole house (and we mean whole house). With Alannah’s coaching she had obtained lounges, chairs, dining table, coffee table, side table, chaise at an exceptional price. Well done – Michelle would be so proud of you.

After our 2 hour lunch some of us ran out of steam and headed back to the bus early. Thank god we did as we had to empty out the bottom of the bus to fit in, yes you guessed it, all of Jacqui’s furniture!!!!! Thanks to the bus driver, a fork lift and some helpful Freedom guys, it was all stored safely underneath. Although Linfox did offer to assist us on the trip home if we did not have enough room. (I am serious).

That was the start of our fun as our journey home proved to be far from boring. After drawing the lucky door prizes and busting open some bubbly, thanks to all our girls for digging deep and donating to our cause for some of Michelle’s GBDO champagne and Best Bus Trip Songs Ever music CD’s. Unfortunately we had a Flinstone’s bus with NO CD player in it to play our special CD’s – great, but no-one seemed to mind.

As darkness closed in and the laughter got louder we did have to make an emergency pit stop (not mentioning anyone’s names) but Tracey and Charmaine found they were unable to contain their drinks adequately. Good on you girls – that was a first for the GBDO trips.

We arrived at the Ryans and were met by a fleet of trucks to take Jacqui’s furniture home of course and some very helpful hubby’s who were there to collect their wives. Our President did attempt to capture some photographic evidence of our shopping excitement but was unable to drive the camera – he is now on the bench.

Thanks heaps to Ruby’s, Greens Northern Coaches, Our Bus Driver, Birkenhead Point, Toni Emery, Cathy Bailey and Ann Lackersteen and all the Girls who came along. We appreciate your support.

Man of the Match – Jacqui for fitting a houseful of furniture under the bus
Encouragement Award – Mel Darcy for being the thriftiest shopper
Sportsmanship Award – Jacqui’s husband and the Green's Bus Driver

Overall a great day – well done you BeeGees. Thanks to those of you who donated their vouchers – we will be buying Michelle a nice present with them.

Cheers! Darlene

Photos

11-2 Blues v St Pius
Photos

The Season Draw available for download. Note, new draws issued each week with game times.

Congratulations to Toby English (Under 15's) on playing his 100th Game for Thirroul JRLC today.