Time Out turned 15 and Traveltime 8 on Thursday 30th July and what an awesome day it turned out to be. We woke to a grey, typical Western Cape winter’s day with rain and snow overnight! Fortunately the 52 ladies boarded the two coaches without rain and we headed to our ‘mystery’ destination – the Polo Club on the Val de Vie Estate just outside Paarl.
On arrival the staff was waiting with a glass of sherry or orange juice and huge smiles of welcome! The ladies always glad to meet up with friends very quickly settled in.
All of a sudden there was a rush of excitement – Ryk Neethling was in the foyer. Poor guy – he was just on his way to his office and was swamped for at least 15 minutes for photo sessions with the excited ladies!
Brian called everyone together into the pub for his annual presentation. He spends hours putting together the memories and this year it was superb. Light Hearted, Sincere and full of Love for the ladies! They all enjoyed this so very much.
After the presentation everyone settled down at their tables ready to start the day. Mel has been our MC for many years and quickly got the proceedings started and welcomed everyone, with special mention of visitors and guests. Mel indeed does such an admirable job! “Well done Melly” – you are indeed a very special lady.
Carol was then called up to the podium. Initially to receive a wonderful gift voucher from the ladies; a beautiful red tea pot from Ingrid ; and Brian even received a fabulous gift pack of wine, biltong, chocolates and treats. Ingrid gave Carol a fabulous little red tea pot – very welcome indeed and perfect for all those cuppa’s in the office! Carol then thanked the many people who had been beside her side over the years including the staff of Hylton Ross ; The Constantia ladies who do the monthly roll call ; Vicki and Alison for their invaluable help on the day ; and last but by no means least, Brian who tirelessly stands by her side! Carol said “What I love about My Work is learning new things, meeting new people, visiting new (and old) places and waking up each morning to a WORLD OF PROMISE.
The speech done, the first prize giving was initiated. Everyone received a gift, thanks to generous sponsorship from companies and also mostly from the ladies themselves!!
Our starter was a tomato and goats cheese tart served with rocket salad and balsamic glaze. Very delicious and light – perfect!!
The group was then treated to a dance performance par excellence done by Devon and JV of the Express Dance Company. Vicki had organized this for the group and it was very well received! Most ladies were so disappointed when their 10 minute slot came to an end!
Mains were then served – Lamb Rump pommes Anna, fine beans with bone marrow jus – what a delicious main course!
After a short break, our fabulous birthday cake, made by “Cakes by Henno”, was served. A delicious 2 tier cake with one tier being – Chocolate mud cake with chocolate ganache and the other tier being a chocolate mocha cake. The cake was decorated with fresh strawberries, chuckles and amazing chocolate work! What a treat.
Brian then called Ingrid and Heather up. Between them they have attended 62% of the Time Out trips over the 15 years and they were each presented with vouchers for the Table Bay Spa and High tea at the hotel afterwards. Worthy winners indeed!
Carol then presented each lady with a personal collage put together as a memoir of their travels with the Time Out Ladies Club and Traveltime. What a hit these were, with one or two of the ladies being quite tearful. It’s amazing how as Carol put it “The New Family” she has in her life are just so very special!
The Essence of Life is to Care
The Secret of Life is to Dare
The Adventure of Life is to Learn
The Challenge of Life is to Change
The Joy of Life is to Love
All too soon the day was finished and many were heard to say “Oh no we don’t want to go home” – proof of the enjoyment of all at the end of a fabulous day!