Once again Noel Halford had a team prepared to oversee car-parking under the freeway and in the area north of Gardiners Creek.

But heavy smoke from the bushfires put the tournament in jeopardy.  How did it all end up?

We had a slow start this year, to the Car Parking at the Kooyong Classic Tennis Tournament. Tuesday  and Wednesday were so smoky due to the bushfires, that attendance (and therefore our takings) was much less than in previous years. But look on the bright side, we had time to sit and rest, and plenty of space to put the cars.

Geoff Wright and Ngaire Cannon were especially relaxed.

Fortunately a thunderstorm on Wednesday night, with plenty wind and rain, cleared the air. Thursday was mild enough to bring out the fans. Our car park was much fuller: we filled the area under the freeway and beside the pavillon, but didn’t quite have to open a second entrance. 

Our resident live-wire, David Pisterman, had a brainstorm, and produced a bucket for the Bush-fire Appeal. Attendees, including Kooyong members and workers, were happy to throw some spare coins or notes into David’s bucket. 

Note David Pisterman's bucket, as he and Susie Zidziunas direct the traffic, and Andrew Crockett checking on how much space is still available.

So when Noel Halford rang “The Bulletin” with the results, he claimed he had “The most exciting news since the Federal Election”!  Over the three days we had collected $2,276 for car parking, and $955 in bushfire appeal donations. 

So well done Noel and your team, once again delivering the goods. And everyone should save a special peck on the cheek (or pat on the back) for David Pisterman at the next Xmas Party.