Just before Christmas, UNE put on a party for staff and their families and even town residents. I cannot recall a similar event in the past, but it went quite well and attracted a large crowd of people of all ages. I took a lot of photos which you can see below and together they give a good feel for the event. It started at around 6 pm and I undestand that it may have lasted as much as 3 hours. I, myself, could only hang around for about an hour, but during that time I met up with quite a few people I know engaged in interesting discussions.

After I parked my car the first thing I saw was a heap of kangaroos. I didn't know they'd been invited .. but they kept themsleves distant from the main event.

The event was held in the gardens of Booloominbah, a large and imposing house that was formerly the home of a wealthy farming family. This building is now UNE's administrative HQ - donated way backin time by the family concerned. This shows the entry point to the event.

Here's a seat reserved for a Subordinate Clause, but he didn't turn up as fas as I could see.

The grounds were home to many stalls selling food or various handicrafts, or alternatively providing various kinds of display.

This next picture shows the imposing Booloominbah homestead.

At the southern end o fthe lawn I found a screen that was set up to display films as the evening progressed and lights dimmed. 

Various food providers drove their vans into the garden area to sell ethinc meals. This photo shows the Ezidi 'restaurant' from which I purchased my meal. Armidale is home to maybe 600 Ezidi's who fled northern Iraq when attacked by Islamic State! Their menu is shown below.

Here's another view of the event looking eastwards.

Some university departments took the opportunity to show-off some of their work like researching the behaviours of snakes or other creatures - see the next two pictures I took.

We had a musical accompaniment from a guy standing in front of Booloominbah. This went down well also.

And here's a view southwards over Armidale in the valley below. In following picture, we're looking northwards from the same spot.

I pointed out Santa's empty sleigh at the start, but towards the end of my stay I found it occupied! Do you recognise Santa's deputy for that evening? Yes! It's me. Alas, I had no reindeer to take me anywhere. I wondered where Dasher, Dancer, Prancer, Vixen, Comet, Cupid, Dunder and Blixen were being housed. 

Anyway it was a fun visit and I congratulate UNE on its good work.

AS