Carols cruise – Three-year-old Tahlia from Bonbeach got into the Christmas spirit on

By Bridget Brady
THE Rotary Club of Cranbourne is heralding its Christmas carols on the weekend as a huge success, with one of the biggest crowds in the event’s history.
About 4000 people turned out to the Cranbourne Racecourse on Saturday night to support the club’s carols event, which was called off earlier in the year due to escalating costs.
But Casey council, Villawood Homes and the three racing codes in Cranbourne rallied to ensure Rotary’s carols stayed alive, and to ensure the event’s 40-year history in the town would continue.
Rotary Club of Cranbourne president Stan Bankes-Fay said the “resurrected” event with its new home at the racecourse was perfect.
“We were very impressed with it,” Mr Bankes-Fay said. “We could not wish for a better place. It was superb,” he said.
Casey councillor Geoff Ablett, who helped get the support of Villawood homes, on Saturday night said the club should be proud to host the event.
Cr Ablett said everyone pulled together when it mattered to save the carols.
The council could make a 100 per cent commitment to Rotary that the carols would be held each year, Cr Ablett said.
Rotarian Lance Beckwith, who has been involved with the carols event for 22 years, said Saturday night was the biggest crowd he had witnessed.
“It went so well. Everyone was rapt with it. I reckon it will be bigger next year,” Mr Beckwith said.
Carols committee chairman Peter Carpenter said the event “had a very good feel about it”.
“Everything went well from Rotary’s point of view,” Mr Carpenter said.
“Everything looks good from here on.”
The Rotary Club provided a free sausage sizzle on the night and the Berwick Regional Band was among the entertainers.
Mr Bankes-Fay said the club wanted to thank Villawood Homes, Casey councillors Geoff Ablett, Amanda Stapledon and Kevin Bradford, and Cranbourne Turf Club chief executive Neil Bainbridge and the other racing codes for their support.
>>> See page 61 for more pictures