March 2007 Meeting

Our March meeting was a lunchtime meeting on Saturday 31st at James and Etty Lerk's home. Their entertainment area in their back garden, with the soft autumn sunshine, was ideal for the occasion. Thank you Etty and James for your warm hospitality. The Indonesian meal was particularly varied and delicious, in recognition of Liana's seventh month of pregnancy, tujuh bulanan This traditional Javanese ceremony celebrates the development of the baby to the point where it is capable of living independently, also gives an opportunity for family and friends to wish the mother an easy, safe delivery. Liana, as the guest of honour, took the first serving of the celebratory yellow rice, the nasi tumpeng. She was asked to give it to someone special so passed it to her husband Clayton, a fitting choice. Desert included rujak (a kind of fruit salad) made with seven kinds of fruit to symbolise the seven months of the pregnancy. Thank you Liana and Clayton for sharing this special time with BAIK. Our best wishes go with you as you approach parenthood for the first time. We look forward to welcoming your child into our BAIK community. After the meal Nita Hall fitted a number of members for Indonesian costumes, in preparation for Easter Monday's parade at the Bendigo Easter Fair. BAIk first took part in the parade five year's ago, winning a prize for best new entry. Unfortunately the Easter Fair Committeee then introduced a requirement that each participating group have legal liability insurance, which prevented us participating again. This year BRECC has provided insurance cover for all ethnic groups wishing to participate, so BAIK will once again take part. Our entry promises to be colourful and eye-catching. Thank you to all who are preparing for this event. Particular thanks to chief organisers Nita and Aaron Hall and Heri Febriyanto. FEBRUARY MEETING 2007 HOME

Nasi tumpeng for our celebration. Liana cutting the yellow rice, Etty watching. Clayton about to photograph his food? Beside him Des and Sue, with grandson Joshua, are all well-protected from the sun. Two of our youngest guests, Natasha and Thomas, enjoying the Lerk's swing. Our hosts Etty and James. James is ready for the Bendigo Easter parade.