Melbourne Cup Day 2024 – a day to remember or a Knight to remember?
Tuesday 5th November was a massive day for Branxton! The Lions Club of Branxton worked tirelessly with the staff at Branxton Golf Club to make Melbourne Cup day one to remember. Over 80 guests were present at the mega event masterminded by Branxton Lion Colleen Anderson when the closely-run race (that stopped the nation) was fought out on the track at Flemington. We now know that the outsider Knight’s Choice was the winning horse followed closely by Warp Speed, and Okita Soushi sneaked in at third in an exhilarating photo finish. Branxton Lions had organized a scintillating day starting with decorated tables with delicious nibbles and a free glass of wine donated by the Golf Club. Delicious lunches were provided by the resident Golf Club Chef, Paul, and served up while a live musician entertained with popular music from recent years. A main raffle was drawn with valuable and unusual prizes among which was the unique hat rack designed, crafted, and donated to Branxton Lions Club by local man Richard Connoly. Also, a wheel of fortune with cash prizes went ahead on a table-by-table basis. Meanwhile Branxton Golf Club regular Keith Anderson organized another draw offering a substantial prize for drinks in the Club Bar. The food menu was rounded off with delicious trays of chocolate and fruit slices, lovingly prepared by local people.
If that was not enough, prior to the big race, Wilkie Designs, headed up by Melissa, entertained the audience with her stunning fashion show of recent designs, modelled by local ladies. Finally, there was the race that everyone watched spell-bound to its breath-taking conclusion. Then, Lion Colleen Anderson presented the smartest man Barry (‘Bull Bar’ as he calls himself) and the smartest lady Di (from Red Hatters) at the Branxton Melbourne Cup event with prizes. Colleen said: “I would like to thank all the organisations and individuals who supported our event by sponsoring or donating raffle prizes.” Colleen particularly mentioned Branxton IGA and Wilkie Designs for sponsoring the event and she continued: “Branxton Golf Club have been tremendous in their help and support to get this fantastic event off the ground, and thanks to Paul the Golf Club Chef for the main meals and all the people who cooked the delicious nibbles and slices for us!”.
At the end of the event, Branxton Lions President Brian Thomas announced special Lions Appreciation Certificates for Branxton Golf Club staff (received by Tony Bercini) and Wilkie Designs (Melissa). As he presented the certificates Lion Brian said: “This has been a fantastic event which has been enjoyed by all the attendees present, we must particularly thank the staff at Branxton Golf Club and Wilkie Designs and our sponsors including Branxton IGA. Members of Branxton Lions Club have worked hard, led by Lion Colleen Anderson, to make this a big success and thanks to everyone for assisting in fund-raising for Lions causes to help disadvantaged people in our community. Every dollar raised by Lions Clubs goes straight to a deserving cause. Thanks again to everyone here.”
Lions Clubs International is the world's largest service club organization with more than 1.4 million members in approximately 46,000 clubs in more than 200 countries and geographical areas around the world.
