At 6.30pm an excited group, dressed in white and carrying tables, baskets of food and drinks, table decorations and everything in between, walked down to the Town Hall.

Guests were served complimentary drinks and a range of delicious appetisers that were prepared by the Year 9 & 10 Food Technology classes with the assistance of Mrs Muggleton, Mrs Gillett and Mrs Woods. During this time at the holding place, upbeat entertainment was provided by Mr McKean and his talented Year 10 & 11 music students.

It was a wonderful start to the evening where community members were hosted by GIHS students Jessica & Isabel Wright, Naomi Eastwood, Abi Lightfoot, Charlotte McHarg, Grace Cupitt, Ella Malone, Mitch and Maddie Taylor.

With the arrival of Daniel Arandale from New England Coaches, guests were waiting in anticipation to see where they were off to next and I believe there was plenty of banter on the bus along the way. By the time the bus turned into the Standing Stones, guests were certain of their destination however what they were about to experience next was simply breathtaking.

Geoff and Cassandra Hill from Mr & Mrs Hill Lighting had created the most amazing display of lights that formed a spectacular setting and atmosphere within the Standing Stones. Guests were simply amazed as they made their way through the entrance to the dining area and set about arranging their tables.

Once the guests had settled in, they were welcomed to the White Dinner and asked to take out their white napkins where in true Dinner en Blanc style they waved them around in the air as a united gesture of celebration.

Guests were then left to enjoy their meals and wow, what a range of meals that were prepared – mezze platters, roast dinners, lasagnes, salads and decadent desserts. Some guests choose the hampers from the New England Motor Lodge and were delighted with their choice.

At 9pm to signify the opening of the dance floor, guests lit sparklers and were introduced to the Jimmy Craz band from Tamworth. The trio of guys in the band (one an ex Glen Innes resident) played a fantastic range of songs and guests danced the night away. Thank you to Apartments on the Park who provided accommodation for the band overnight.

At the strike of midnight, guests packed up their things and with a sense of satisfaction from such a great evening were bused back to the Tourist Information Centre carpark.

I would personally like to thank the GIHS P&C White Dinner committee of Joanne Wright, Annette Eastwood, Amy Cupitt, Leeanne McHarg, Dannielle Lightfoot and Kim Butterworth who planned and orchestrated for several months with a vision of a magical night with friends and community under the stars.

The money raised from the White Dinner will be used to help fund the construction of an academic achievement centre for senior students at the school and after 4 years of planning and paperwork with the DET, we are excited to announce that the tender process for our project started this week.