The Time Out ladies club was launched in June 2000 and so it was time to celebrate their 16th birthday whilst Traveltime, launched in 2007 was enjoying its 9th year in existence. No-one ever knows where they are going on this special day so excitement was palpable in the coach as it left Tableview and then went across to Constantia for the second pick up!
A Hat Theme had been chosen so most ladies really made an effort and came-to-the-party with special hats for the occasion. Of particular interest, was Anne as a School Marm (complete with her hair plaited); her sister Hilda had especially made a “Time Out is 16” label and placed this on top of her turquoise hat! Dawn stole the show and arrive with a gold sun hat with a sign on top saying “All that glitters is not gold!”. Joy adopted the Sweet Sixteen theme and wore a fascinator with sweets adorning her creation. Ingrid also wore a fascinating creation!
A small competition was launched as we entered the N2 highway – “Try to guess where we are going” “It starts with a W…….and 10 letters later ends with a G”. Ladies had a limited time to guess and pass the answer to Carol on a slip of paper – answers were diverse – Winterberg / Wellington /Witzenberg /Wanderling” – 4 ladies guessed where we were going and their names will be entered into a draw to select ONE winner who will win a Time Out trip early in 2017.
The coach arrived at Webersburg along Annandale Road in Stellenbosch just after 11h00. Much excitement as “Captain Brian” with his new beard & mustache welcomed everyone and pointed the way to the entrance where they were treated to a welcome sherry or orange juice in the bar.
Brian called everyone to order for the start of the annual video presentation. This is always so well received especially the part where Brian shows some of the funny moments selected from both Time Out and Traveltime tours over the past 12 months.
After this everyone went into the restaurant and got themselves ready with a glass of wine to sit and enjoy the company of others at their table. Each lady received a coffee mug with the Time Out logo as a thank you for traveling over the past year.
Mel as always was our MC for the day and in her inimitable way welcomed guests; made a few announcements and had some wonderful things to say about senior citizens and GPS’s.
She then called on Ann Buxton whose job it was to read a poem by Hilda, all about The Bus!
Carol then had her say, telling everyone a ‘story’ with the Good and Bad things and mixing in a bit of magic at the end!
She called on Ingrid Fearns who received a gift, as her booking had been the 7000th one received in Time Out/Traveltime.
Our soup was served in a unique way! A soup bowl with basil leaves and a Cream Cheese Ravioli dotted with a bit of basil oil was placed in front of everyone – accompanied by a glass bottle with Roasted tomato and pepper soup to pour over the ravioli. This ensures that the soup stays warm almost until the last drop has been eaten and is a novel way to serve soup!
Carol did the first prize draw. We had 50 guests at this lunch and because of generous donations we were able to give everyone a gift. Much excitement as prize after prize was called out.
Main course was slow roasted lamb shoulder with caramalised apples and sultanas served with rosemary dumplings. Individual bowls of Salted butterscotch pumpkin fritters and balsamic roasted beetroot wedges with feta cheese and a crispy red onion ring with rocket completed this meal.
A second prize draw was made – the ladies were then served a delicious Carrot Cake made by “Cakes by Henno” and there was coffee and tea available.
This is when the heavens opened up and we sat and waited hoping it would let off for a while. Unfortunately, it turned into a steady stream of rain so Webersburg staff quickly came to the party and provided umbrellas to get us all to the coach without getting too wet.
All in all a wonderful day spent celebrating with friends made whilst we all travel together.
Webersburg Estate is even better when the sun is shining and the roller blinds are open.
A JOURNEY IS BEST MEASURED WITH FRIENDS RATHER THAN MILES