Tuesday December 5th saw a busload of boisterous Pukehina Potaes on their way to the big smoke to celebrate the upcoming festive season. Sky City was hosting a "Super Special" day, with suitable discounts for those of more senior years, and we decided to take advantage of this offer.
The majority of ladies left the Pukehina Fire Station at some ungodly hour of the morning, picking up the Whakamarama gals on the way. First up was a stop in Ngatea at the Copper Kettle to put a lining on our stomachs in readiness for the big adventure. Our bus driver was fortunately a man of humour and did not fight too hard when a very becoming red and purple boa was draped around his neck. (We didn't want him to feel the odd man out!)
Arriving at Sky City around 10.30am, we were greeted by our hosts Georgia, Paula and Andrew, who escorted us to a "Play" area...a small intimate area of the casino where trained dealers taught us the rudiments of Blackjack and Roulette. This room was already buzzing with an enthusiastic group of Auckland Red Hatters, who greeted us and welcomed us into their fold. As a thank you to our dear Queen, we presented her with a bright purple and red boa as well, along with some 'spending' money for the pokies. 
The group then gathered in the Fortuna restaurant for a magnificent spread, along with wine and chuckles. This was followed by a tour of the inside workings of the casino, where some of us were tempted to bungy over the side. Just tempted mind you... Others preferred to cruise around the main floor of the casino, checking out the 'real' gamblers.
A concert at the Atrium bar was next on the agenda and we were treated to an extremely talented line-up of artists who's sole purpose was to entertain us. They seemed to enjoy the sea of red hats in their audience. All too soon the concert was over, and we staggered off toward the awaiting bus. Several Asian tourists took a fancy to our posh gear, and we were waylaid for several tourist type photos on the way. They delighted in having turns wearing our hats and we could see that this would be one of the highlights of their New Zealand trip!
Our bus driver was on standby outside the building and soon we were all loaded on ready to pop the corks on the wine which had been resting quietly, awaiting our return. A fun filled trip back home followed, and all agreed it was a trip that could very well be repeated in the following year.
Those in attendance were :
Lyn Barbour - Baroness Bligh
Anna Halcombe - Lady Buckett (without a hole)Gloria Jones - Baroness Von SnapperKitty Higgins - yet to be titled
Sandy Wong - yet to be titled
Hella Riebeck - Herzogin Violet
Dot Mark - Countess Dorothea La Marque
Jan Salmon - Dot's friend from Hamilton
Pat Cameron - title?
Wendy Scott - Lady Guinnivere
Vivianne Baldwin - Lady Baillie
Adrienne Cleaver - Adrienne de Cleavage
Jo Williams - recently arrived from Otorohonga
Barbara Mohi - title?
Marg Stewart - title?
Jacqui from Whakamarama
Sally Aukuha - Her Highness Hillbilly (aka email femail)
Rosemary van Dam - title?
Barb Sundgren - Lady Leadfoot of Lala Land
Wendy - on the bus to visit her daughter in Auckland
