Oh, what a night!

Thanks to everyone who came along and made this night so very special. Of course, this dinner marked the commencement of a year of celebrations on turning 100, so the mood was excited and upbeat all night.

We had a beautiful venue with gorgeous table decorations and many people commented on the lovely lanterns casting a soft light over the outside entrance to the function.

The room filling with guests

Tablesettings and chocolate gift

The 200-odd guests arrived at Tompkins on the Swan around 6.30pm for pre-dinner drinks and canapes. There was much interest in the display of memorabilia available for purchase over the next 12 months (a separate post on this will follow soon).

Mingling before the official opening

Our MC for the evening was Christina Morrissey from Channel 9. After being seated and acknowledging the traditional owners of the land, plus a little housekeeping, Dr Brenda Hamlett, State Commissioner, officially opened the dinner.

Dr Brenda Hamlett, State Commissioner, launches the proceedings

Hon. Tony Simpson, MLA, Minister for Local Government; Community Services; Seniors and Volunteering; and Youth, proposed a toast to Girl Guides Western Australia. Straight after this, our own Miranda Cummings, Assistant Chief Commissioner, Girl Guides Australia, and WA Youth Volunteer of the Year 2014 responded to the toast and spoke on behalf of Chief Commissioner Robinette Emonson.

Miranda Cummings, Assistant Chief Commisssioner

Mrs Joy Miller, Life Member of Girl Guides WA gave us an historical review of the organisation that had people smiling and laughing. Throughout the evening, old photos were shown on screen in which the guests recognised faces, places and events of the past.

Mrs Joy Miller, Life Member

The meal was delicious – a beautiful pumpkin soup followed by a beef or chicken dish. After some spot prizes and then dinner, we were treated to a speech by our guest speaker, Dr Natasha Hendrick. After this speech, Mrs Margaret Luckett, Life Member and Archivist, came forward with Brenda to cut the cake.

Happy Centenary Launch, Girl Guides WA!

Brenda and Margaret cut the cake

Everyone was excited by the launch of the Centenary Challenge, a fantastic program of activities for Girl Guide units to participate in over the next year. Ellen Walker, one of the Challenge’s designers, launched and explained the Challenge.

Ellen Walker launches the Centenary Challenge

Finally we were served cake for dessert and then enjoyed the great company and happy memories. There was plenty of giggling and for some, the cake obviously had just a little too much sugar!

Is it the sugar? Or the food colouring?