We had a beautiful day for the races and, given everything that has happened this year, we were so grateful to be able to gather together and celebrate the Melbourne Cup in person. Paul and Anna cooked a delicious BBQ lunch, with various meats, veggies, salads, fresh bread, fruit and ice creams. We had festive drinks to round it off – bubbly, wine, a big jug of PIMMS and lemonade, and a selection of non-alcoholic offerings.

The lounge was festooned with bright colours and horse racing themed decorations, and the beautiful dresses, hats and fascinators that the guests arrived with added to the atmosphere. After lunch Paul organised the sweeps, and we began to move into the games room to watch the TV coverage. The race itself was typically exciting, and this year the winner seemed to come from nowhere at the last minute! What a great finish! Jo was the big winner in the sweeps, by chance having two of the top three horses over two different sweeps.

Congratulations to everyone else who had a winning horse, and thanks to all those that came to keep a fun Astra tradition alive – celebrating the Melbourne Cup in style at Bondi Beach 😊🍹