The Friendship Force of Mount Gambier has reflected on the year that was after recently holding its annual general meeting.

The executive committee of Marilyn McGregor, Bill McGregor, Judy Harradine and Karen McGregor retained their positions to complete a two-year term and Vicki Ridley, Deb Anderson, Graham and Rosemary Carter and Marg Doody were elected to take various roles on the committee for the next year.

Publicity officer Marg Doody said COVID-19 had impacted the group’s activities.

“Unfortunately as with almost all clubs COVID-19 has affected activities in the past year and a half and for the MTGFF it has been no different with the international travel border closed no inbound or outbound exchanges with overseas clubs could go ahead,” she said.

“But this gave the club the opportunity and the challenge to seek activities much closer to home with several members organising different and varied social events to keep members involved.”

Ms Doody said in February members held a historical walk around Tantanoola, while April saw a three day journey to Kingston with 18 participants which included visits to three of the Cape Jaffa wineries and also a lighthouse tour and a visit to the Kingston Museum.

“A day in Penola and Coonawarra was arranged and several members from the Casterton club also joined in,” she said.

“In May six members joined the Albany club to the Perth club for a week’s exchange and eight members were logged into a journey this month with the Brisbane club but due to COVID it was cancelled.

“In September the club journeyed to Rendlesham to attend a tour through Noorla Yo-Long Adventure which is a not for profit organisation promoting teamwork, leadership and life skills for young people and is operated by Blue Light.”

Ms Doody said next month members would be involved with a trip to Kalangadoo to visit a nursery and garden and also the weekly market.

Five members will also join 30 other Friendship Force members from around the state for a cruise on the Spirit of the Murray from Goolwa to Renmark in late November.

The club welcomes new members who can contact president Marilyn McGregor on 0421 900 014 or member and welfare officer Deb Anderson on 0418 809 287.