At 3.30pm when we normally start Jodie was still busy doing make-up on the girls, she was fairly busy, and at about 4.15pm we were ready to start. The gymnasts did their warm-up and stretch and we had a practice run of the performance. By this time most of the parents had arrived and we got underway. The children were wonderful, the girls with their cartwheels on the beam, their pullovers and somersaults on the tramps. The boys performed to perfection with their inverted hangs on the rings, their pullovers on the high bar, tucks over the pommel horse and their barranies and somersaults on the tramps.

The presentations were conducted while Jsana cooked the barbecue (thank you very much), Bernie and Jodie handed out the medallions and certificates to all the children, Jake Henry took out the most improved boy and the most consistent gymnasts. Xanah Tishler took out the most improved girl and Katie Thomas earned the coaches’ choices. There were encouragement awards which went to Alex McKay, Carter Bevan and Mitch McKay for the boys with Chloe Armstrong, Maddison O’Neill and Jorja Hackett receiving the encouragement awards for the girls. Emma-Lea McKay received a certificate for dedication to gymnasts in Lightning Ridge as she is our youngest coach. Well done kids.

Gymnastics will start on the Friday February 17 2012. The coaches wish everyone a merry Christmas and a safe and prosperous new year.

On behalf of all the gymnasts, parents and assistant coaches, a huge thank you is extended to Gaye Davidson and Bernice Brogan for their hard work, commitment and dedication to, “ the kids’’. Besides setting up and packing away the gym, and coaching, they spend numerous hours fundraising for the benefit of our kids. Gaye made sure all her helpers and gymnasts were recognised and then was straight back into work. So, to add to the thanks extended by Chloe and Jake, - Gaye and Bernie, we send you a heartfelt THANK YOU.