Tuesday , 3 December once more saw the leafy grounds of Chiswick Gardens filled with over 400 parents and children picnicing on the grass and listening and joining in the QSWWA Community Christmas Carols, an event now over 36 years old. The threat of rain didn't deter anyone, so while parents enjoyed a glass of wine and nibbles, children queued to have their faces painted, take away an animal made from balloons or get a hot dog from the barbecue, skilfully prepared and cooked by the team from Chiswick Restaurant. Once again, Woollahra Council were very generous supporters and we thank the Deputy Mayor, Cr Sean Carmicheal, for officially opening the evening and welcoming everyone. As they always do, many of our local businesses supported the raffle with wonderful prizes. The raffle is an important annual fund raiser for the QSWWA and we very much appreciate the support of our sponsors and prize givers (see the list of raffle prize donors below). We also very much appreciate the support of our other major sponsors, Georgia Cleary and McGrath, and jim's Cellars who supported the refreshments table.

After the official welcome, the musical program began with a medley of songs from the Woollahra Public School Choir, comprising over 80 singers. Woollahra Public School is an integral part of our community and it was great to have the Principal Ms Kylie McKinnon, Deputy Principal Ms Janelle Warhurst and their team with us again this year. The program was then followed by a collection of carols and community singing by a very talented choir led by local resident Hellen Arestides and her friends The final session saw the very talented accordion player, Philippe, entertaining the crowd and getting some of the children upstage to sing a combination of carols and Christmas tunes.completing another very memorable and enjoyable start to the Christmas festivities. It makes it so much a local community event when all the singers are from the area, so many thanks to Nichole and Helen for all their work as well at Woollahra Public School.

Santa and his elves made a very welcome appearance, posing for numerous photos with childen and parents and giving each child a delicious Christmas ice cream, generously provided by Maloneys. Many thanks, Sant and elves!

Again, a big thank you to all those who took part and supported us – Woollahra Council, Georgia Cleary and McGrath, Chiswick Restaurant, Jim's Cellars, Maloneys, raffle prize donors (listed below), musicians, singers, parents, Santa & his elves (aka Jonny, and Cilla Warre), our photographer, Paul McGuire, and all the QSWWA committee members. Particular thanks need to go to our event organiser for the Carols, Alan Smith. Alan works tirelessly to organise the Carols every year and we are all very grateful and appreciative of Alan’s work in making it such a successful event.  

Giles Edmonds, President, QSWWA