Thanks, Southland!!
The warm hospitality, friendliness, and smooth operation of Conference activities quickly countered the blustery and sometimes damp Invercargill over the three days. The organising committee, comprising Southland Provincial Association brigades, did us proud. Perhaps it was because they’ve done it all before, in 1919, 1991 and 1999! Conference went like clockwork, right from cheery greetings from our hosts at the airport − affirmation that visitors had arrived safe and sound with their feet firmly on the ground after a sometimes turbulent, long flight and an anxious landing.
Thanks to the organising committee and UFBA office staff, the transport, accommodation and general arrangements could not be faulted. The venue for conference sessions was more than adequate. The social events had obviously been well planned and carried through. The welcome function at Ascot Raceway will not be forgotten for the range and quantity of seafood entrees and then that enormous barbecue-style meal. The follow-up Saturday night social was just as pleasant – whoever dreamed of dining in the centre of a velodrome, complete with cycle races to accompany the aperitifs and pre-dinner lagers? Magic! Thanks, Southerners. You lived up to your reputation for hospitality par excellence!