OPERA IN THE ARBORETUM 2013

Our eighth year, concert goers were treated to local and international acts from an exceptional programme of opera and light classical items.

Attendance records were broken yet again this year. On the day, the weather was mild and a slight cool breeze made the whole event an enjoyable occasion for our many patrons.

Thank you to you our wonderful patrons. Because of your tremendous support, you have assisted us to raise sufficient funds to increase our list of recipients.

This year we have disbursed funds to -

• Guide Dogs NSW - Central Coast
• Central Coast Conservatorium
• Rural Fire Service
• Crommelin Native Arboretum, Pearl Beach
• Pearl Beach Progress Association
• St. John Ambulance Australia - Central Coast
• Rotary Foundation - supports the efforts of Rotary International to achieve world understanding and peace through international humanitarian, educational, and cultural exchange programs.

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy donated $15,000 to the Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Central Coast Volunteer Support Group from the proceeds of Opera in the Arboretum 2013.

Rotary Club President Ted Crawley presented the cheque to the guide dogs Will and Hamish who are seen flanked by Guide Dog client, Angela Allen and the Central Coast Support Group President, Barbara Craig. It costs $30,000 to transform a puppy and turn it into a highly trained Guide Dog.

Presenting the cheque, President Ted Crawley commented, “The Rotary Club of Woy Woy are delighted to make this donation which will help train a Guide Dog and improve the mobility, independence and quality of life for people living with vision impairment”.

 

Artist, Dallas Watts performed for us this year even though he had a firm committment for the same evening to appear in "Carmen" on Sydney Harbour. Having to depart prior to the end of the event, special transport arrangements were made for Dallas so to ensure he could make his Sydney appearance.

Recently, Dallas sent the following message to John Greenway, Rotarian and Opera Co-ordinator...

"Thanks for the encouraging audience feedback - so sorry I couldn't stay but have got to say that my speedboat (James Bond getaway experience) of the water taxi to Bobbin Head. Especially as it preceded Pearl Beach resident Carlos Raimundo's fast BMW hairpin bend negotiations at Patonga being pretty spectacular and hair-raising in themselves!.
Best regards,
Dallas.

P.S. Thought your audience was really listening to every 'drop' of music coming it's way - which made us(singers) want to give more!"

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If you missed Opera in the Arboretum 2013 then make sure you are registered to be kept informed of future announcements. See information below on how to register.

Through the support of our generous sponsors it has been possible to contain ticket costs and it is our hope that will be so for next years Opera in the Arboretum.

The Rotary Club of Woy Woy looks forward to welcoming you back to our ninth Opera in the Arboretum in March, 2014.