David Hall
Celebration of the 14th of July, the French National Day, was enjoyed by many in the Daylesford Town Hall. COVID-19 masks, distancing and a ban on dancing could not spoil the fun.
The Daylesford Community Brass Band, conducted by Jenny Jordan, delighted all with the Can-Can , Edith Piaf songs and ,of course, La Marseillaise. Adrian Holmes added his piano magic.
Mayor Cr Lesley Hewitt (centre) awarded “Best Dressed Male” to Arie Baelde (left) and Victor Szwed (right). (Photo: Jillian Holmes)
In the specially decorated Town Hall, attendees enjoyed their self-catered dinner and offered toasts to Liberte, Egalite, Fraternite. Asked to propose a toast to the Republic, Hepburn Shire Mayor, Cr Lesley Hewitt cheekily proposed “un toast à une république Australienne”.
The best dressed diners and the most interesting table received prizes.
This annual event , organised by the U3A Hepburn Shire French Circle, is the Band’s major fund raising event for new instruments. The current need is for an E Flat Bass Horn costing $10,000 . Despite the reduced numbers of revellers, eighty because of the restrictions, over $3,000 was raised for the Band.
To everyone’s delight , the Community Bank Daylesford and District announced a surprise donation of a further $1,000 to the Band.
Thanks are due to the prize donors including Atelier Chocolate, Celebrations Daylesford, Daylesford Cider, Farmers Arms Hotel, Hotel Frangos, The Lake House, Lavandula, Mitre 10, Peppers Mineral Springs Hotel, Spa and Beauty Hepburn Springs, Village Cinemas and Wattle and Wombat Creperie. Paul Carney organised the raffle and auction of prizes.
