KTA Get-Together 2005

What a marvellous weekend it was, despite the notorious wet weather pattern of Keswick, it did not dampen the spirit of the KTA campers at all who started arriving from all over the UK as early as 10am on Friday until the early hours of Saturday. The school rugby field provided more than adequate space for campers with kitchen and toilet facilities only yards away.

While the final dance rehearsal kicked off on the school stage in the main hall at around 4pm on Friday under the directions of Ioanna and Rote, the KTA youth boys lit off their BBQ outside the hall for campers. The sizzling and the smoky aroma of the assorted meat and sausages from the local Keswick butcher was enough to turn all mouth watering that afternoon. All was consumed in minutes.

Later that evening, commotion went on in the school's well equipped kitchen and guess what, the KTA chefs and assistants were on the job with a lot of chopping, kneading, peeling, scaling, skinning, slicing, cutting, mixing and stirring, dish washing and not forgetting singing, talking and laughing. As the saying goes, "Many hands make light work" but at the same time make noise louder, I must add. Such a delightful bunch!

Saturday had arrived. Expectation in all aspects of this day's event was high! The weather forecast was not promising but the thought of the pig in the earth oven made it appetising. The visiting dance coach from Tarawa was confident that her group would excel and the countless chefs were ready steady cook and hope not to spoil the broth. The main school hall was transformed into to a 5 star function room within an hour. The pleasant aroma of the fried breadfruit coming from the kitchen was hard to ignore and resist. Did any of it reach the dining table by the way? It was exhilarating seeing members young and more senior looking and friends arriving in their islands costume which definitely lit up the mood and the atmosphere from the grey and damp morning to a bright and sunny one.

Here we go again, in the hall as usual the AGM commenced and closed later than scheduled. I am sure the Mayor of Keswick and his wife, the two of the twelve dignitaries at this gathering have heard of the Pacific island time and did not mind waiting patiently for 15 minutes. The minutes and financial report of this year's AGM are available on request for those financial members who wish to see them. Please email any member of the committee for a copy.

The complimentary Champagne were popped and served and the bar was opened for business for those who needed to quench their thirst after that serious AGM. The celebration cake was cut by the visiting dance coach, Ioanna Tentau and everyone was in the mood for celebrating. The table of a mixed island and English food was exquisite and superbly laid out; thanks to those who prepared them especially the odd trays of buatoro donated by Kaitibo and Simon but where was the pig? Some said it escaped from the earth oven. Some waited for it but those who could no longer controlled their rumbling tummies went ahead picking their favourite familiar foods while some sniffed and nervously putting stuff in their mouths hoping they are acceptable to their individual digestive system. Credits and thanks to Ana Gee our host in Keswick who not only donated the pig but cooked it in her backyard. The pig got caught up on the way in the busy Keswick traffic and turned up half an hour later in one piece.

The dance was magnificent. Never had we witnessed the dancers in their best performance and in their finest full set of traditional attire. Well done dancers and supporters. More on the dance will be reported by the dance organiser Rote Walsh and should be on this site very soon.

The Summers who organised the raffle did very well on the day and sure raised a lot. Thank you those who donated the prizes.

What did you think of the Cumbria assorted tea breads from the local bakery which were served during the afternoon tea time? Wasn't it nice to try some of the local produce and specialities? Most people enjoyed the scones which were donated by Philomena but that exotic fruit salad definitely went down very well to the tea total ones and the children.

It was an amazing gathering with such fun and laughter. Exuberance outweighed exhaustion later that evening among campers both young and old, the teenagers in their own corner and the more senior ones in theirs, evaluating the weekend's events and already planning for the next one while the hall became alive again with disco music that finally concluded the weekend programme. Thank you all for your contribution towards making this year get together a success and see you again next year.

On a more personal note: may I take this opportunity to offer my personal gratitude to Ana Gee who tirelessly accompanied me shopping around the Cumbria region for the get together foods and stuff on Friday but above all for her kindness and generosity when she rescued my family from the idea of erecting a tent in the pouring rain and offered us a room and an evening meal at her house on Thursday night. Thanks Ana.

Any member who wishes to contribute to the website or to the newsletter for your Christmas reading is very welcomed. Just email me or the webmaster or post it to the editor's address.

Happy holidays!

Newsletter and Web Editor
Hegnes Dixon