Tuesday, November 2 was one of the best days in more than 20 years of this Club’s history.
After many months of “existing” in a government-imposed locked down and depending on Zoom technology for Club meetings, we have finally returned to face-to-face contact. Our venue imposed strict COVID requirements but the Club members were able to meet them without a problem. As you can see it is a great spot for breakfast, with its unique ambience and charm.
What a difference! The minimum functionality of zoom did allow the Club to continue without noticeable interruption; future events were discussed; speakers offered forth opinions on varying subjects; even a wedding was planned. However, it was never the same on Zoom and face-to-face interaction is so important in developing and maintaining relationships. We are all time deprived, and whilst there is a lot of commentary about how meetings can be a waste of time right now, how much time is actually wasted by poor communication over email and with other digital mechanisms. More often than not, a short, well structured and well-planned meeting can save an incredible amount of time. Sometimes new tech is not always better tech.
Nonetheless, thank you, Mr. Zoom, Ms. Face Time and Miss Skype for allowing us to communicate through an electronic platform. However, just because it's becoming easier every day not have face-to-face meetings, it doesn't mean we should exclusively.
THE RACE AGAIN STOPS THE NATION
In addition to our first Face to Face Club meeting in months, Tuesday, November 2 was Melbourne Cup.
How Sweet It Is!
How symbolic was it that our first day back face to face was on Melbourne Cup Day. This year, the race will look a little different once again, with just 10,000 spectators allowed on course due to corona virus restrictions. That follows last year's race, which was run in front of empty grandstands at Flemington.
Horseracing has been an important and widespread part of Australian sporting culture since soon after European settlement of the continent. By the mid-19th century, various racing clubs had been set up and rules were being laid down to organise the industry. The Cup s is one of the world's few major handicap races. As always since the beginning of our Club, members eagerly placed their bets “on the sweep” with the winner taking home enough dollars to shout drinks for the house.
We got into the swing of things with the Best Hat of the Day. It was clear that our members spent at least several hours getting ready on the day, and even, we imagine, employing hair stylists the day before and professionally had their face made up at dawn.
I guess it’s true what they say; nothing makes a fashion statement like a killer hat! We believe that the photos here speak for themselves.
Liz Romalis Les Margulis
This year was no exception. Little did we realize that we had so many fashionistas among us. Voting was ever so close, but Liz took first prize among the ladies and Les, our erstwhile on-field entertainer, won among gents with his eye test “Kiss Me” hat.
Margaret Greening Bryan Bartlett
Phill Isaacs Sandra de Gruchy, Ann Margulis
Well done, to all members and participating horses.