Joy teased out the concept of a 'Fiesta of Festivities' then wrote about many of the festivals and festivities enjoyed in Benalla. Betty explored the range of festivals offered in Benalla in a humorous poem, following this up with a quirky poem about Molyullah's Easter Fair. Bev also wrote about Molyullah's Easter Monday event, but this time as remembered in the 1950's, with Irish and Scottish dancing; the Molyullah Gift running race; a number of horse races (and bookies in crumpled tweed suits and odds boards) also on the program of events.
Margaret shared an engaging memoir of Violet Town's Centenary Celebrations of 1949, bringing with her festival programs and photographs to accompany her written memories of the event. Neville then took us all to Spain, to Pamplona for the 'Running of the Bulls'! He remembers wondering how political events at the time impacted upon the realities and thinking of the people participating and attending, and said he wonders now how political events and realities may be affecting people who, seemingly blissful, participate in Benalla's 'Fiesta of Festivities'.
The presentations led us all to reminisce in different ways - with Ray thinking back to the time in which he was heavily involved with the Benalla Rose Festival.
Our task for November is to keep a note book close by in which we note any ‘triggers’ which lead us to reminisce about a time in our lives. We may be talking to someone, watching television or a film, driving somewhere, reading a book. We are to choose one to three of these and write about the memories evoked – keeping the total words to 500 – 750 words.
As it's taster time - please feel free to join or rejoin us on 25 November from 2 to 4 pm. You might like even to bring a story to share!
Bev Lee