Last night I attended the 12th Annual Women’s Soiree. The evening’s entertainment showcases the many on stage talents of the women here. Men are only allowed to sell raffle tickets and assist with set-up and take down. The money raised is donated to a selected charity each year. This year’s recipient is, The Kiwi Family Trust, in Christchurch. It is one way the community here has of thanking the people of Christchurch for all the support they give the Antarctic Program each year.

The show is always a very eclectic blending of singing, dancing and poetry reading. This year we even had a woman who gave a short presentation about the origin of the tortilla. (It was very strange)

The Soiree is presented in the dining facility so the evening meal is cut a half hour short to give time to set up the stage, lighting and sound board. They have about an hour and a half to get all that done. In the mean time a reception is hosted by the women in the commons area outside the dining hall. Wine, cheese, crackers and other munchies are provided while the set-up inside is going on. The facility is packed to the gills when the show begins. This is one of the much anticipated events of the year.

Of course there is always a group who boycotts the event for one reason or another, a fact I also find very curious.

In the final analysis the show was a great success both on stage and off as they were able to raise a record $4200 (American) for the Kiwi Family Trust.