BOAV Christmas in July - 30 July 2009 

On Thursday 30 July over 30 BOAV members braved the elements to enjoy a fun filled afternoon, taking in some of the unique sights of Melbourne.  Our first stop was the MCG, where our lovely guides Ian and Geoff showed us around the inner workings of the MCG.  We then tested our sporting knowledge and prowess at the National Sports Museum.

After some well earned refreshments we crossed through the crime scenes tape onto the very comfortable Go West Tour buses, where our guides regaled us with some tales of Melbourne’s sordid criminal history and showed us where these crimes took place.  We ended up, where else, but the city watch house, where we were all duly arrested for an assortment of crimes we’d committed earlier that day.  After going through the formalities of our arrests, we were taken to the Old Melbourne Gaol where we would be serving our time. . .

After our release from Gaol on good behaviour, we once again jumped aboard the Go West Tour buses and were escorted to our last stop of the night, the Bertha Brown Bar.  A delicious three course Christmas dinner, in a gorgeous Christmas setting was awaiting us when we arrived.  Later in the night we were all very surprised and delighted to see Santa arrive to join in the festivities.  He merrily gave out gifts to all the guests and plenty of hugs and kisses too! 

On behalf of BOAV we’d like to thank everyone who supported this event, without their generous contribution none of this would have been possible.  To Richard, Abbie and the guides at the MCG and NSM,  Terry and his team from Go West Tours, Andrew and Sean from the Old Melbourne Gaol and Tash and Dan from the Bertha Brown Bar.