Macinante al-a-carte dinner
Twice a year Celest and Graham Shirley and Mary and Greg Holloway have united on an Al-a-carte night out. Any of the Macinante family is invited to join them. If you would like to treat yourself to something special during the year then make the call. They would love to have you along..Picnic 2005 !
SUNDAY 7th MARCH, 2005
This year, 2005 represents the 25th Anniversary of the Macinante Family Picnic. It all commenced when Graham Beatson wanted to get together with his cousins at least once a year. He sought a suitable location, which was reasonably central to all with water, picnic grounds, shade, toilets, ease of parking thus Cattle Duffers Flat became the venue. The first picnic was held on Sunday, 7th February 1981. February was chosen as it was after the busy holiday season of January and outside the soccer season. A family consensus later changed the picnic to the first Sunday in March to avoid the hot weather. The event was called the Macinante Picnic, as the original cousins were all descendants of Candid Macinante. When Electra Pallanza heard of the event, the 1982 picnic blossomed into the whole of the extended Macinante family attending. This proved to be the making of the event with many life long friendships made. GB Cruising the World 
Mollie Thorp (Daughter of the late Tory Macinante of Wollongong) and her son Tom enjoyed their annual Christmas cruise on the Pacific Princess, Sydney/Cairns and return. This year their Christmas cruise is planned for a cruise on the Diamond Princess, leaving Singapore and cruising to Australia via Thailand, Bali Vietnam, Darwin and disembarking in Sydney. The Diamond Princess is the largest of the Princess ships. Mollie will also travel to London to visit her son and daughter-in-law (Ron and Mira). Whilst in Europe Mollie intends to visit Mira's mother in Poland. GBHighlights In This Issue
- Macinante lunch and al-a-carte dinner
- A Tragic Loss – Paul Carter
- Congratulations on new Baby Caitlin
- Congratulations on graduation and wedding Fiona
- Ann Cuddy - Writer and Poet
A Tragic Loss – Paul Carter
(8 December 1949 to 29 December 2004) It is with great sadness that we have to report the loss of Paul Carter husband of Margaret Carter (Daughter of Millison Beatson/Macinante). Paul was a great family man and rarely missed a family picnic. He was tragically and unexpectedly taken from us @ 3.30am on Wednesday, 29 December 2004. Paul was on his way home from Wollongong station where he had just completed his shift as a train guard. A car load of youths, the driver being a green "P" Plater, screamed out of a give way sign on Paul's right, hitting him directly in the driver's door, killing him instantly. This was a devastating blow to the family. Paul was much loved by all who knew him. Paul was just 55 years of age and had planned for a long and happy retirement with his wife Margaret. Many holidays and trips were very high on the agenda, especially to the USA, which Paul loved with a passion.
Paul at the Macinante Picnic 2004
Macinante Mid-year 
Luncheon
We were looking into the idea of offering a Macinante mid-year luncheon one Sunday in June. Maybe at an all you can eat venue such as the Engadine RSL (around $15.00 per head) or the more expensive St George Motor Boat Club. Any feedback or venue ideas would be appreciated GB
