Merry-making marks arrival of Madeleine

Baby Madeleine entered the world at 9.22am on Friday, 14 August triggering a feu de joie of popping champagne corks across town.

As these pictures show the partying continued for the entire week of our interlude in Sydney.

The Harding family and proud Dique grandparents.

The important thing is that Angela Harding and baby – who weighed in at 3.5 kilos – are well. And Dad is doing pretty well too.

With our van safely parked in Cairns we lodged at the Harding household to participate in the joyous event and lend a hand where we could.

Angela and Madeleine.

It was great to be back especially as we found Lily (Angela and Jeremy’s first-born, aged 18 months) hadn’t forgotten us since our departure in January.

She wasted no time in including us in her daily routine of activities that commence at 5.00 am with Dora
the Explorer and Wiggles videos, follow with exhausting games and role-play, and end with bedtime stories.



Magnificent Madeleine.








Dubai dwellers return

To top off the excitement, Sue, Jeff and the boys were back from Dubai for a short break, prompting a party at Julie and Doug’s home, at which everyone had to do a dance, sing a song or otherwise embarrass themselves.

Cameron Chalker break dancing.

We thrilled to Sue’s belly dancing, Cameron’s break dancing, Luke’s, Jeremy’s and Jo’s singing, Tim’s sax playing, Louise’s violin and Amelia’s ballet. In fact, everyone’s performance was truly a tour de force.

Tim Mannering with his two grandmas, Carol and Joan.

The party continued into the wee hours of the morning meaning most had to stay overnight and camp wherever they could find a vacant piece of floor space.

Jeremy lets it rip.













Back row: Sue, Emma, Julie and Jo. Front row: Lucinda, Louise and Amelia.









Luke Mannering in full voice.















Student belly dancers Amelia and Emma, with Tim holding cue cards.





















Sue Mannering, who learned the fine art of belly dancing in Dubai, shows how it's done. The costume came from Turkey.


















Good mates: cousins Thomas Chichester and Cameron Chalker.














Louise Chichester shows her form.


















Boys will be...hmmmm. Tim Mannering and Bryce Chalker.














Tim blows us away on sax.









Next morning a hearty breakfast of bacon and eggs got everyone going again.

Kurt Chalker shows off his magnificent locks.

Unfortunately Angela missed out as she was still in hospital, but later at home she received a full report on video.

What a week! Now, amid tears of farewell it’s back to Cairns and the commencement of our journey westwards to Normanton and the Gulf.