Once again we had a good turnout for the Club’s key annual event - the AGM dinner. 40 people forsook the rugby to come along to the Carey Baptist College for a yummy and entertaining evening. The theme for the evening was white; we were encouraged to wear something white. The event started off with the usual mix ‘n’ mingle drinks ‘n’ nibbles at 5:30pm. Half an hour later we sat down to dinner. After John said grace the food was not quite ready so Phillip kept us entertained with a few jokes. We enjoyed a yummy smorgasbord on an Italian theme, but without the hot curry. Classical music was playing in the background at a low volume. The mains were followed by a fingerfood dessert; the music changed to songs about white - White Rabbit; Cherry Pink and Apple Blossom White; Dashing White Sergeant; A White Sport Coat, and White Cliffs of Dover. The chairs were then rearranged for the AGM, which began at 7:30pm. Club president Phillip gave a devotions based on Psalm 8 in which he commented about creation, people and God. We began by listening to the Psalm sung by Keith Green. The Club, being a Christian club, focuses on all three; other tramping clubs focus only on the first two. God’s greatness is expressed in creation; His grace is expressed in people. He is mindful of us, cares for us, and made us to be like Himself. He gives us tremendous authority as wise responsible stewards over the natural world. We then rose to our feet to say together 1 Chronicles 29:10-13, projected onto the screen, in which king David expresses praises to the Lord. Linda made a vote of thanks to the strains of Nights in White Satin, giving chocolate presents to Roger, Helena, June and Phillip (to give to Katrina) - people who were standing down from the executive.

Then came the election for the new executive. Although there was just the right number of nominations for all the positions, a secret ballot was held as a confidence vote for each candidate. As the scrutineers counted the votes, Roger presented amendments to the constitution, and these were passed. The announcement was then made that each nomination received a yes result. After Barbara led a prayer for the new exec David K, dressed in a white toga, presented a humorous interlude reading a children’s story.

The new Club logo was then unveiled. The Club had decided to update its image, and replaced the original 27-year old logo featuring Rangitoto Island with a new racy ABTC logo featuring a tramper stepping out, and with the T representing the cross of Christ.

Presentations about the training track and the forthcoming summer tramps followed. The night came to a climax with a spectacular audiovisual about a trip over the Copland Pass by some members a few years ago, set to classical music. COST: $25