MDC Sunday 9 May 2011

With the hype and festivities of Mother's Day upon us, we all knew it wasn't just tea, toast and a day of pampering on the agenda for those assembled mothers today.

Even in the dark of the early morning dawn there was a humming in the air as the  excitement of the day ahead pulsed through our veins as the Bay Babes (BB) event of the year was about to get underway - The MDC.

The throng gather and were lead onto their respective buses, it was common knowledge amongst the crowd that this year's event was going to be bigger and better than any previous year.

For those who are 'foundation members', those who are 'repeat offenders' and those who were just 'newbies' a trip to the Domain with your favourite Bus Co-Ord is an experience not to be missed.  These entertainment professionals lead the charge and the festivities from the moment their first passenger steps aboard.  Is there any better way to awaken ones senses than by a Bus Co-Ord, who it seems is under the impression that everyone is slight of hearing, laying down the order of the day and disclosing the secret esky password.  Who would be silly enough to forget that special word that would unlock the chest to medicinal beverages, being the only way to conclude a 4 / 8 km run/walk at 9am in the morning - are they joking!!!

The sun was rising and the day was spectacular as the participants converged on the Domain and were relocated to BB HQ.  There was no doubt that this year's team apparel would afford us the vote of best dressed group at the event.

Those 4/8 km runners were chomping at the bit to take off - that is after chomping down some scones & cream - quickly pursued by the 4km walkers. The call of the 'beverages and muffins' must have been too much for them, as before we on the coffee committee knew they had produced a PB and were back at HQ.  Who are these fine athletes from the Shire and beyond?

Finally, the time had come for the crowd to recognise the achievement of the over 565 strong BB community in 2011 and as the cheer went up and the award accepted it was a fitting tribute to the tireless efforts of Chris Callinan and her wonderful committee members.  Chris brings to the table an energy level that would rival the 'Eveready Bunny' and an enthusiasm for this cause that is so strong and infectious, making it a privilege for us to join the ranks of BBs.

The call sounds and its back to the buses for - you guessed it - more champers and outstanding raffle prizes.  By the time Gymea was in sight it was a merry (enormous) crowd that landed at the BBQ for some sustenance.

So there it is - 2011 in a nutshell - and what an event it was!
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Fantastic!!! Wonderful Day!!!
Many many thanks for a great day, my whole family enjoyed every minute of it even the sore legs at the end!!! Well done to all the helpers, I cannot wait till next year to do it again!!!!!!!!!!!!

From Adele, Callum, Jodie, Irene and Rhondda
xxxxx

Thanks and regards,
Adele MANDILE
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Chris,
Just wanted to say Thank you for organising such a wonderful day. We all had a great time and will definitely be up for it next year.
Take care
Denise Ora
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Dear Chris,
Thank you so much for making yesterday such a success. My daughter Leah and I thoroughly enjoyed the morning.
You and your band of helpers seemed to have thought of everything! From the delicious pastries, juice and water for breakfast on arrival. To the celebratory bubbly on completion. We were lucky enough to be transported on bus 4. The "mother hen" in charge checked and rechecked that everyone that was listed to be on the bus was accounted for so no one was left behind either in the setting off or the home trip. I was lucky enough to win the lucky door prize of an african violet which could not have been more appropriate because I have a collection on my window sill in the kitchen and from now on when I water it I will think of what a lovely day I had.
Leah and I also met two ladies from Curves one from Thornleigh and one from Crows Nest who were sisiters. The lady from Thornleigh Gail Cunningham (hope I got the name right) is a Breast Cancer survivor. She was so impressed with your organisation and community spirit that she is planning to organise something similar with her Curves for next year.
Anyway, thank you again and I look forward to next year! That is, if you have the energy to even think about next year today!
With our best wishes for a healthy, happy and successful year to you and your family.
Regards Sandra and Leah Harris

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Dear Chris,
Thankyou so much for the time and effort you put in to organising such a great day.
I had a great time with all the girls, meeting new people and catching up with old friends.
Even though I am tired now, I can’t imagine how you are feeling, probably relieved.
Chris managed to get me to help her out on the bus. Put me down for next year.
Thankyou so much for a job well done
Kim Parnell
GO BAY BABES !!!!

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Hi Chris
I just wanted to say a big thank you for organising the Bay Babes and all that it entails! I ran in the 8k with Simone Hayes, group and it was really the best mothers day I have ever had! I cannot imagine how much work you put into the organisation of it all and I just wanted you to know that all your effort was very much appreciated.
Thanks again
Jo Williams
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Dear Chris
Well it was purely my fault that I landed this job, by fault I mean I was the bunny who made eye contact for just that minute too long. OMG I should have known, I - like others before me - have seen that look before, it's that "I've got a job for you" look; but no, like a moth to the light and wham she got me.
Make it light-hearted she says..... so here I am armed with a glass of red and a snickers bar, how will I ever attain my optimum fitness and Jennifer Hawkins figure when she sets challenges like this for me, I'm only human!
Just a few words I was told, but I knew that it would take more than just a few words.
Before I could tell you about the Bay Babes I would have to tell you how it all came about, even though at risk of disobeying our Leader, I will let you in on a little insight into the person who is Chris Callinan.
Chris, who I met in 2002 when our boy's were in kindly, has always had this amazing ability to create something out of nothing, whether just for fun or for a cause. There is something about Chris that draws you to her and keeps you there. Very quickly there was a happy little crowd of mums who still have a strong bond today. Then one day, at the end of Year 1, we heard the words no one wants to know about, especially when it is associated with a friend, Chris had a lump. "Nothing to worry about / all OK / I'll be alright" that's what we were reassured with like little children, then the next bombshell "moving to NZ". So, just a little worried and sad at losing a friend we said goodbye/ see ya soon.
Luckily for us the next thing we knew they were sick of lamb chops and cheps and we were getting our friend back and she was well again (just like a good fairytale). But what we didn't realise was that by beating this demon she had gained a new intensity, she was a Guru and we her new disciples. We were in trouble but it will be ok if we just do this one thing, or so we thought - and this is how that one little event turned into a company.
Just for a moment let your mind drift and conjure up this image.
It's 6am and it's dark, cold, sometimes rainy, you have staggered up to the local school, wearing a pink t-shirt (stating you are a 'babe') in a pair of attractive shorts and hop onto a bus bound for the city. But the worst is yet to be realised - IT IS MOTHER'S DAY!!!
You do a quick mental health check and soon realise that there are other whackos clamouring onboard for a seat with their favourite team leaders, a quick moan to one another and the bus fires up and the fun begins. The raffle tickets are flying around, the champagne is flowing and the noise level is incredible.
That's right, from simple beginnings this annual 'Bay Babe' event has grown to 4 busloads of women and their families headed to the city for a walk around a park - big whoop you say, but actually it is. This event is for everyone whose lives has been touched by that tragic disease called 'breast cancer' in some way, it's the Mother's Day Classic.
The original group started 5 years ago with this fresh idea by no other than (look into my eyes you are under my spell) Chris Callinan, and a bus load of crazies. Like a scene from Priscilla we streaked into the city with balloons flying out the windows, we were never going to get lost on this tour.
There are donations of food and drinks to sustain the troops as they await their event, there's the cheers as the runners come in and again when the walkers finish. It's nothing out of the ordinary to witness a group of pink t-shirts strutting their stuff to an aerobics workout with a guy in a tutu or a group just hanging with friends sharing the atmosphere.
When it's your turn to take off you soon forget that moan you had about getting up and missing your toast and tea in bed. The stunning harbour as you round that first bend is enough to take your breath away.
Quick quick back on the buses for home. Now it's reward time for being such good little babes, the champers pops and the prizes are given out and again the noise level is go great it's a miracle the driver can do just that. Back on home turf and the local soccer club has kindly put on great spread for the hungry crowd with some familiar faces on the BBQ and the kids to greet us.
Our magician has worked wonders again and notched another great 'Bay Babe' event on the calendar.
But as we have come to expect from that certain Magician it doesn't stop there. Just like a Demtel ad - wait there's more... watch this space!

Ciao
Kath Bryant