Streets Party 2010
In 2009 a group from the end of Widgiewa Rd decided it would be a good idea to have a Christmas party in the turning circle at the top of the road. Since Widgiewa Rd and Whiskers Creek Rd form a self-contained unit the residents of both roads were invited (hence the plurality in the title - nothing to do with a brand of ice-cream). Despite it being a very hot night - we could see the glow from the Tinderry fires - the event was a great success. So another go was needed for 2010.
This time the venue was to be the turning circle at the end of Whiskers Creek Rd with the residents of that thoroughfare initiating the process. A Friday night seemed like a good idea and Frances checked the moon phases (to give us some natural light), finding that we had about 75% of a full moon on the 17th of December. So that became the date.
Given the recent weather the forecast was followed rather closely and ended up looking quite good. No rain being the major item required. Which was the case!
So what do you need for a street party? Here is what we carted up to the circle (another 3 or 4 people contributed similar items). Of course there was also a basket full of food and cutlery.
Other neighbours bought along
As well as providing the prospect for some supplementary lighting if the moon became unavailable, the generator was needed to provide power for a band who had agreed to provide some music for us. This had been arranged at a function the previous weekend as a replacement for the musician from last year who couldn't come. So "Bigger than Security" arrived and set things up. (As a side note one of the difficulties they had to face was the drum kit 'settling in' to the grass making the precise location ogf that being hit a bit of an evolving issue during the sound check. It was overcome).
Before getting on to the event itself here are a couple of scenic shots of the venue.
That proves our rurality I think! The horses seemed to find the drums provided an incentive to gallop around the paddock so they had a good time too!
At the appointed start time the crowd wasn't big. However after a fashionable 15 minutes the hordes began to arrive and we ended with a very good roll up.
Here are the band getting into their work.
They really were very good. Their first number was "Only 19" by Redgum and their repertoire through the evening included "The House of the Rising Sun", and some Chuck Berry also visiting Pearl Jam (done very well according to a fan of that band) and a few originals.
The weather gods did what was required with a nice sunset but no rain. Even the wind died down to facilitate the cooking.
Then the moon rose on time and in the required luminescence.
A wide range of ages were present ranging from people older than us (yes, it is possible) to 3 year olds. Here is one of the younger persons getting into the Christmas Spirit.
All up, to judge by the comments from others from the Streets, the entries in the band's facebook page and our personal view, it was a very good evening. Definitely to be repeated next year!
For some reason my head is a bit fuzzy this morning!
This time the venue was to be the turning circle at the end of Whiskers Creek Rd with the residents of that thoroughfare initiating the process. A Friday night seemed like a good idea and Frances checked the moon phases (to give us some natural light), finding that we had about 75% of a full moon on the 17th of December. So that became the date.
Given the recent weather the forecast was followed rather closely and ended up looking quite good. No rain being the major item required. Which was the case!
So what do you need for a street party? Here is what we carted up to the circle (another 3 or 4 people contributed similar items). Of course there was also a basket full of food and cutlery.
Other neighbours bought along
- a ute with a water tank and fire-fighting pump on the back (even though the vegetation was very moist still, the thought of a fire starting was a nightmare); and
- a generator to provide some power.
As well as providing the prospect for some supplementary lighting if the moon became unavailable, the generator was needed to provide power for a band who had agreed to provide some music for us. This had been arranged at a function the previous weekend as a replacement for the musician from last year who couldn't come. So "Bigger than Security" arrived and set things up. (As a side note one of the difficulties they had to face was the drum kit 'settling in' to the grass making the precise location ogf that being hit a bit of an evolving issue during the sound check. It was overcome).
Before getting on to the event itself here are a couple of scenic shots of the venue.
At the appointed start time the crowd wasn't big. However after a fashionable 15 minutes the hordes began to arrive and we ended with a very good roll up.
The weather gods did what was required with a nice sunset but no rain. Even the wind died down to facilitate the cooking.
For some reason my head is a bit fuzzy this morning!
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