With the threat of rain overhead and strong winds blowing the organisers together with many willing helpers had everything set for a great night of entertainment and families and community members were not disappointed.
MC Rob Davies welcomed everyone and introduced our first set of entertainers – the littlies –
Girl Guides, Occasional Care and Mainly Music. There were plenty of photos as proud parents captured the fun moments.
The Colac City Band entertained the crowd followed by Nicholas Ridiculous – that blasted broom moustache just didn’t want to behave not to mention the bowler hat creating mischief. There was raucous laughter as the children enjoyed the zany antics and catchy songs – Nic had them mesmerised.
Then a series of singers captured the essence of Christmas kicking off with Abbey Geddes of Monarch Music accompanied by two of her pupils Louis Koehne and Elizabeth Humphries. Families were then entertained by Kingsly Sabado and Rob Davies with Zinaida Campion finishing with an outstanding operatic performance of O Holy Night.
Throughout the evening food vans catered well with the Lions providing a sausage sizzle, Smooth Vibes providing smoothies and vegan food, Pizzas and popcorn from The Tipsy Colt with Alex Cunningham preparing coffee and crepes. The Winchelsea Country Women’s Association had lots of sweet treats with raised funds going to the school to aid their fundraising efforts.
Guess what – Santa found his way to the oval with children coming from everywhere to meet Santa.
As dusk started to come, so did the cold with dark threatening clouds passing by just when the community carols were due to start. Many families left, going home with weary children and lots of good memories.
Our thanks go to the Community Bank Winchelsea & District together with Surf Coast Shire who provided grants to support Carols on the Barwon. A big thank you to Jason Nogueira for the photos and to our wonderful MC Rob Davies and planning committee members Judy Staples, Megan Morris and Elaine Atkinson.
In 2025 a Christmas committee will be formed to oversee planning for the return of Winchelsea Christmas Lights, Carols by the Barwon and the introduction of a Christmas Street Party to support our local traders and community market. While you are in the spirit of Christmas contact the Secretary of Growing Winchelsea Elaine Atkinson on 0458009616 or email secretary@growingwinchelsea.com to put your hand up to be part of one of these committees to continue to bring our community together to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ.
