Sydney Chapter #36

Annual Luncheon – Ikebana Demonstration of Sogetsu School

Our chapter’s Annual Luncheon was very successful with an excellent attendance of 103 guests. It was a celebration after the pause of our regular annual luncheons during the time of the COVID-19. The venue of the Kirribilli Club was a happy choice with a large ballroom which held all the guests comfortably in addition to the 17 Ikebana exhibition arrangements displayed by the five schools of Ikebana represented in our chapter.

Our President, Mrs. Hiroko Prado, welcomed the members and guests. The occasion was officially opened by our Patron, Consul-General Mr. Shuichi Tokuda, accompanied by Mrs. Mariko Tokuda, with an address acknowledging the contribution made by the Chapter towards the promotion of Japanese culture.

Our guest demonstrator was Mrs. Patricia Mackie, a member of our chapter, who is a leading practitioner and Riji Master of the Sogetsu School residing in Brisbane. She gave a stunning demonstration of six arrangements showing her creativity.

The demonstration was followed by a two-course lunch. Everyone enjoyed the excellent meal and agreed it was a very enjoyable occasion.

We ran a raffle to help with the expenses, and 16 wonderful prizes were donated. The delighted winners of the prizes were treated to a variety of free meal vouchers, a Sydney Harbour cruise, other items including wine and champagne and a food hamper, etc.

On the following day Mrs. Mackie held a workshop for Sogetsu members, which was also very successful.