Hawks Nest Seniors’ Week Gala Concert held by Progress Association Myall Coast Myall Coast - popup ad Myall Coast News Photo Gallery by News Of The Area - Modern Media - March 21, 2024 Tea Gardens Red Cross ladies outdid themselves, yet again, with afternoon tea and home-made desserts. MUSIC, laughter and home-baked goods were among the many highlights of the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association’s (HNTGPA) ‘Hey, Hey, It’s Seniors Day’ Gala Concert held at the Hawks Nest Community Hall on Saturday 16 March. After months of planning by the HNTGPA Committee, the show was a huge success, featuring the musical and comical stylings of three acts. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au First, Newcastle’s Daniel Arvidson got the booked-out, 100-strong crowd moving and swaying with a string of favourite singalongs, including ‘Que Sera Sera’, ‘Sweet Caroline’, and ‘Road to Gundagai’, to name but a few, and gave everyone their daily cardio with ‘YMCA’. Daniel’s progressively bad jokes in between songs were countered by the audience’s unexpectedly exquisite impromptu harmonies in the singalongs. The indefatigable ladies of the Tea Gardens Red Cross created over 100 plates of their famous cakes, sandwiches, and ridiculously delicious desserts for afternoon tea, leaving each and every visitor well-fed for the second half. Palm Lake Resort Tea Gardens’ choir ‘Viva Voce’ rolled in to sing a series of more favourites including ‘I’m a Believer’, ‘Cover the World with Love’, and ‘My Favourite Things’ – that latter’s lyrics updated with relevance to the ‘audience of a certain age’, such as “pacemakers, gophers and choirs that sing”, which most took the right way. The show was emceed by HNTGPA’s Chris Taylor, and rounded out with international comedian Irish Albert, who had recently overcome some serious health issues to be there. Best Dressed awards went to Coral Welch, Deb Williams and Lyn Butler, whose extra efforts to flourish the day’s floral theme were beautiful. Dressing-up prizes were donated by remedial massage therapist Diane Perry, while the Boomerang Bag showbags included multiple donations of vouchers and items from local businesses across Tea Gardens and Hawks Nest. The HNTGPA thanked the Myall River VIEW Club, Tea Gardens Men’s Shed, RSL Lifecare, Myall U3A, RSL Sub-Branch, Meals on Wheels and Tea Gardens Family Research and History Group for their support. Myall Park Croquet Club gave out free lesson vouchers, leather keyrings were hand-made by Raptor Leather, and attendees also received vouchers for freebies and discounts at The Garden Eatery, Coles, Tea Gardens Hotel, IGA Hawks Nest and Mumm’s On The Myall. “The Progress Association is very appreciative of the NSW Government and Department of Communities and Justice, headed by our local representative Kate Washington, for funding the events,” HNTGPA’s Sandra Bourke said. “Thank you to all our volunteers, and MidCoast Council for letting us use the Hall.” The biggest thanks, however, went to the Progress Association’s Sandra and Bruce, whose tireless efforts and organisation made the day actually happen. By Thomas O’KEEFE Singer/songwriter Daniel Arvidson cracked jokes and led the singalongs. Irish Albert sang and told jokes in between costume changes. Some of the songs got the 100-strong audience pretty active. The weather held out just long enough for a pleasant afternoon tea in the park next to the Hall. Palm Lake Resort choir Viva Voce sang a medley of favourites, some updated for the audience. One of the Best Dressed winners, Coral Welch, presented her award by Progress Association volunteer Jeanette Hart. Two more Best Dressed winners, Deb Williams and Lyn Butler, sparked up the floral theme.
