On a beautiful, sunny Sunday morning, our Rotarians and their friends and families packed their vehicles on March 21st and enjoyed the scenic drive to former Rotarian Seelal’s Ranch in Princes Town. When we arrived, we were greeted by a picturesque open field surrounded by towering trees that provided ample shade for us for the day. We couldn’t wait to explore more!
The compound comprised of two adjacent buildings made out of recycled wood– one completely outfitted with pipe borne water and washroom facilities and the other covered open structure was designed with a bar area, grill and fireside overlooking a pond filled with kois and tilapia fishes. Throughout the day we were cooled by the constant strong breeze as we enjoyed our action packed activities with great fun, fellowship and laughter.
PP Jim, PIS Tara and Parbaty, bubbled a huge pot of vegetable soup as First Lady Nadira and Debbie, our hostess, prepared the seasonings and curried the duck which was cooked “Chulha” style. Simultaneously, PP Bashir, Rotarians Rudy and Nazim barbequed the chicken and grilled the salmon as Rotarians Patsy and Andrea prepared the salad for lunch. Our lunch menu was complemented with roti, channa and fried rice by Rotarian Andrea, macaroni pie by PIS Radhika, garlic bread by Rotarian Michael and PP Zobida surprised us with pholourie and a tasty tamarind sauce as appetizer!
Rotarian Amraz, President Rishi, IPP Jim, PP Ronald and Rotarian Rudy all contributed by the way of drinks.
Our treasured ladies from Rotary Club of Maraval led by President Giselle Holder, also joined us for the day and brought delectable desserts and snacks that were enjoyed by all. Prospective Rotarian Steve and his wife brought mini pizzas and potato pies and Rotarian Wendy brought snacks which were quickly demolished by the kids and adults as they played throughout the afternoon.
After a scrumptious lunch was had by all, we started the fun activities with the air rifle competition where the children, ladies and men competed in their sections. The overall winners were Anushka – Children, Rotarian Kelly from Maraval Club– Ladies and President Rishi – Men. They were all presented with medals courtesy Rotarian Rudy who also presented medals for the 2nd and 3rd placed winners.
The boys also had a wonderful time playing cricket while the girls got introduced to hopscotch, a game these youngsters never knew existed but happily participated in with lots of laughter at the “ancient” game!
Rotarian Villon led most of those present in a mini zumba session which was followed by the beer drinking competition won by Jodaine and Rotarian Andrea. The children had their own water and Gatorade drinking competition which was won by Clydelle (water) and Amrika (Gatorade).
This was followed by the watermelon eating competition complete with picong which had some of the contestants choking with laughter as Rotarian Villon and PIS Parbaty emerged winners! The evening ended with the All Fours Competition which saw the Maraval ladies emerging triumphant against the men of Princes Town. Well done Ladies!
The Club would like to express our sincerest gratitude and heartfelt thanks to our host Seelal, his wife Debbie and their children Amy and Nicholas for opening their amazing nature retreat to us and allowing us to enjoy a day outdoors where we can fellowship with our friends and families and where all Covid-19 regulations were observed. It was truly a fun filled day, where lots of memories were made and one which will not be forgotten soon!
