The inaugural Gold Coast Ramble: What a rip-snorter!
Posted by Franz Huber on Mar 27, 2017
As Simon Brook writes in his President's message, what a magic day! After the heavy rains of the previous days, a day of sunshine, pleasant temperatures and... lots and lots of enthusiastic participants, volunteers, helpers, and yes, even the family dogs participated! Considering that this is our first go at staging this major event, I have no doubt that it will become an annual major event. Close to 60 teams registered, almost all dressed up in one way or another, some with very imaginative names such as 'Poodles and Oodles', 'Niopotamus', 'The Peach Fuzz', 'Coast Busters', 'Run like the Winded', just to name a few.
The 4 Hour section was deservedly won by 'Blues Clues', a team supporting the 'Beyond Blue' foundation. Our very own Rosie McIntyre, competing under the banner of 'The Annihilators' (!!) won the 2 Hour event, capably supported by her husband Andrew and daughter Trinity, (Picture right, courtesy of Harry Ellis). And President Simon rolled up with his 'The Elites' and took out the 'Best Costume' category. (Picture left).
Our club was also well represented in the volunteer section (however, there is still massive room for improvement...). Special recognition must go to Mark Twyford, who had the Financials portfolio (including budget preparation), Ray Higgs, DGE Darrell Brown and Geoff Croad who each took on a Team Leader job, joined by Chris Thurtell, Graeme Isaacson, Angus Miller, Paul Seymour, Richard and Sue Smith. Your Editor's finger nails are starting to re-grow, after being chewed off worrying about the IT side of Registrations and checking them all in with the capable help and calming influence of Tania Laird (no major hick-ups though). The Wheelchair boys - Daryl Sanderson, Des La Rance, Bob Harrison and Al Sirovs, had a display of our wheelchairs. (If I missed anyone: sorry, I didn't see you!) But the laurels must go to the principal organizers: Assistant Governor David Baguley and his Broadbeach Rotary Club team and the Satellite Club of Griffith University.
We'll have a Photo Album shortly, once the photos from all the various snappers have been gathered together.