Christmas comes early for Zonta Hunter Newcastle members

CHRISTMAS came early for members of Zonta Hunter Newcastle, their friends and guests at the annual festive luncheon held in Tea Gardens on Sunday 16 November.

Over 40 people gathered for an amazing home-cooked meal prepared by hostess Helen Blackbourn with assistance from Lee Romstein and Chez Rands.

Their hours of preparation produced an array of delectable dishes, including a glazed ham with pear and cranberry, slow-roasted duck with fig and hazelnut stuffing and cherry sauce, warm chats with butter and chives, Moroccan quinoa salmon salad and more.

Dessert included a classic Christmas pudding with custard or brandy cream, mango and passionfruit Basque cheesecake, and a mixed fruit salad, all accompanied by various wines from long-time supporters Jac & Jones, from the Hunter Valley.

Addressing the gathered crowd, Helen welcomed guests from “Sydney, Caves Beach, Toronto, Chain Valley Bay and all points around Lake Macquarie, as well as Tea Gardens, Hawks Nest and Pindimar”.

Lee Romstein, President of Zonta Club of Hunter Newcastle, said the annual fundraiser was in support of a very worthy cause.

“Monies raised from today’s tickets will be put towards young women’s education locally and around the world,” she said.

“We are supporting local scholarships for young women studying midwifery at Newcastle University, as well as various subjects at Newcastle TAFE.

“Zonta International also supports scholarships in leadership, STEM (Science Technology Engineering Mathematics), and Indigenous studies.”

Local members have also been busy selling tickets to a major Zonta fundraising raffle, which will be drawn on 20 December in Bennetts Green.

The main prize on offer is four weeks’ accommodation in a cottage in the wine-growing town of Florensac in the south of France, donated by cottage owners and Zonta members Heather and Barbara.

By Thomas O’KEEFE